Madagascar’s new leader sworn in

AFP/Reuters/Antananarivo

Hery Rajaonarimampianina, 55, took the oath of office at a municipal stadium in the capital, calling for national unity and reaching out to political rivals to help return the Indian Ocean island nation to its past glory.

“I ask you my political family and friends, help me to promote the great destiny of national unity,” he said. “I want you to understand that it is not about us but about Madagascar, our collective future and our place.”

The Canadian-educated former finance minister, who is backed by the country’s former strongman Andry Rajoelina, did not mention his political rivals by name.

The man he defeated in the December 20 presidential run-off, Robinson Jean Louis, was among those present at the inauguration ceremony.

Jean Louis, the candidate backed by ousted leader Marc Ravalomanana, conceded defeat on Friday.

He told reporters that “this time, the opposition will be able to advise the state” instead of “always opposing, disrupting and marching on the streets”.

International observers gave the vote the green light and called on the parties to respect the electoral process.

Donor countries have lauded the democratic transition so far, but cautioned that normalising relations with Madagascar depends on the formation of a new government.

The World Bank said on Friday that the next step of forming a government was crucial and resumption of normal lending hinged on the appointment of a new prime minister.

“We need to put in place the structures ... that lead to development. We need to put in place a climate for investment that respects the rule of law,” Rajaonarimampianina said as he took office.

Full results of the parliamentary elections, which were staged alongside the second round of the presidential vote, have not been released.

Rajoelina said his MAPAR coalition had won about 50 of the assembly’s 151 seats. If confirmed, that would give it the biggest bloc and allow MAPAR to nominate the premier.