Madagascar’s cabinet has agreed on a new elections body in another step towards holding a planned ballot this year after the term of its predecessor came to an end Wednesday. The Independent National Electoral Commission of the Transition (CENIT) replaces the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) unilaterally appointed in March 2010 by interim President Andry Rajoelina. CENI was also blamed for holding a controversial and widely-criticised referendum on November 17 of the same year. It is another step towards the envisaged holding of elections this year in keeping with a roadmap brokered by the SADC bloc last September.
The new organisation comprises 21 members, three of whom are women.The members are drawn from civil society, the administration and signatories of the roadmap, including two former ministers of the Interior. Five of the 16 members of the old team were re-appointed, but its former head was rejected.
Full Article: Africa Review – Madagascar unveils new electoral commission.