Elections in Madagascar mooted

2009-08-09 15:46

Maputo - Madagascar's feuding leaders said on Sunday they had agreed a power-sharing deal and would hold elections on the Indian Ocean island within 15 months.

A communique issued after talks in Mozambique's capital said a national unity government would be set up and comprise a Prime Minister, three deputy prime ministers and 28 ministers.

"They agreed the transition period will not exceed 15 months ... and will end with elections under international supervision that will lead to the restoration of democratic institutions and stability in Madagascar," the statement said.

Composition

Former President Marc Ravalomanana, who was toppled by his army-backed rival Andry Rajoelina in March, said he would return to Madagascar but not personally take part in the process.

The deal was struck late on Saturday. Talks continued on Sunday as the leaders and their aides discussed the composition of the power-sharing administration.

The agreement included a section cancelling charges of abuse of office levelled against Ravalomanana after his departure and related to the purchase of a presidential jet.

The talks, which began on Wednesday and also included former presidents Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy, were the first time he and Rajoelina had met face to face since the coup.

Suspension

The political crisis has alarmed foreign investors, scared away tourists and cut economic growth. Rajoelina has been shunned by many nations and Ravalomanana, living in exile in South Africa, had insisted he remained the legitimate leader.

Rajoelina suspended the island's parliament in March, a move that opponents said was unconstitutional. It was not immediately clear how the agreement would affect this suspension.

The regional South African Development Community bloc had appointed former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano to revive the deadlocked negotiations.

- Reuters