PRESSING FOR EARLY ELECTIONS IN MADAGASCAR

UNCLAS STATE 029453 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KDEM MA SUBJECT: PRESSING FOR EARLY ELECTIONS IN MADAGASCAR ¶1. This is an action request. Please see paragraph 2. ¶2. ACTION REQUEST: Department requests embassies in South African Development Community (SADC) member states to demarche host governments at the highest appropriate level prior to the upcoming SADC meeting in Swaziland to discuss Zimbabwe and Madagascar on March 30. Please deliver the following points: -- Express appreciation for SADC,s strong stance in regard to the unconstitutional change of power in Madagascar. -- Express the U.S. Government's deep concern about the undemocratic process through which President Marc Ravalomanana was forced to resign and Andry Rajoelina was subsequently installed as the de facto head of state in Madagascar. -- Emphasize that the U.S. considers this series of events tantamount to a coup d,etat and as a result is suspending all non-humanitarian aid to Madagascar. -- Ask that SADC urge Madagascar to take immediate steps to restore constitutional governance through peaceful means. -- Urge SADC member states to issue a strong communique that calls for presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible, preferably within six months. -- Request host government commitment to reinforce these points in any interactions they may have with Andry Rajoelina. -- Share our hope the people of Madagascar will take the steps necessary to return to democratic legitimacy and be able to continue its important development activities with international community participation. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶3. (SBU) After two months of opposition protests, failed negotiations, and mutiny by the military, democratically-elected President Ravalomanana was forced to resign from office March 17, when he issued a decree under duress that unconstitutionally passed his powers to Madagascar's highest-ranking military officers. These officers were in turn forced by mutinous lower-ranking military officers to transfer power to former Mayor Andry Rajoelina via another unconstitutional decree. ¶4. (SBU) Rajoelina has declared himself &President of the High Transition Authority,8 named a cabinet, disbanded the National Assembly and the Senate, and pledged to hold presidential elections within 24 months, following a constitutional referendum and revision of the electoral code. France has publicly declared that 24 months is an unacceptably long timeframe. The African Union has called for elections within six months, suspended Madagascar, and warned the African Uinion may impose sanctions if constitutional order is not quickly restored. On March 20, the Department issued a statement condemning the undemocratic transfer of power, announcing that we are moving to suspend all non-humanitarian assistance, and calling for speedy new elections. SADC has condemned the coup, has not recognized Rajoelina,s government, and will discuss possible sanctions against Madagascar at the March 30 meeting. South Africa has publicly stated that it will support sanctions agreed to by SADC. -------------- REPORTING DEADLINE -------------- ¶5. (U) Department greatly appreciates assistance and engagement from posts on this issue. Please report results of this effort via front-channel cable to AF/E, no later than OOB EDT Monday, March 30. -------------- POINT OF CONTACT -------------- ¶6. (U) Please contact AF/E Maria Beyzerov at (202) 647-6453 or via email for any additional information required to meet our objectives. CLINTON