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.

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BACKGROUND
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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.

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REPORTING DEADLINE
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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.

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POINT OF CONTACT
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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