Malagasy politicians have collectively agreed on how to implement a road map for ending a leadership crisis in the country, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) policy, defence and security organ said on Saturday.
The agreement, signed on Friday, allows for a prime minister appointment of consensus on November 1, as well as the appointment of transitional government and Parliament members on November 17.
The first act of Parliament at the end of November would be to ratify the road map. Following that would be the formation of a new independent electoral commission.
President Jacob Zuma was appointed chair of the SADC troika in August, on behalf of South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Marius Fransman led a second delegation to the island on Thursday and Friday.
The troika said it was concerned at comments made by some “political actors” prior to its arrival regarding the implementation process.
“These actions were intended to destabilise the country and derail the process. It created a climate of fear and confusion amongst the masses.”
“[We] urge all political stakeholders in Madagascar and those in exile, to continue with their collective commitment to the road map and are strongly urged to desist from taking unilateral actions.”
Strongman Andry Rajoelina had refused to allow the return of exiled leader Marc Ravalomanana ahead of new polls. Ravalomanana was ousted in a 2009 army-backed coup.
On September 16, 10 of 11 political stakeholders signed a road map to end the leadership crisis.
The troika said an SADC liaison office in Madagascar would be established by November to support the implementation process. — Sapa