UN, EU to provide election assistance

The United Nations, European Union and Organisation of African Unity are expected to provide logistical support and international observers for Madagascar's postponed run-off presidential election, IRIN has learnt. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Antananarivo, Adama Guindo, told IRIN on Thursday that the government of President Didier Ratsiraka is to request assistance from the UN, EU, OAU as well as from France and Japan. Ratsiraka has faced calls to step down in favour of presidential rival Marc Ravalomanana, who insists that rigging robbed him of outright victory in the December election. Ravalomanana's supporters have virtually shut down the country's capital Antananarivo for the last three weeks, costing Madagascar between $8-14 million a day, according to the International Monetary Fund. However, based on the disputed official vote tally, the country's highest court ruled that he must face Ratsiraka in a run-off election. An agreement brokered this week by OAU Secretary-General Amara Essy and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahima Fall allows for the postponement of the run-off election, which was scheduled for 24 February, but not the end of the strike by Ravalomanana's supporters. "A date for the run-off is now under negotiation. They have established a joint commission of 10 members, five from each camp, to look at the matter," said Guindo. That commission met on Thursday for the first time and was "very positive, as they finalised an agenda and set a time frame for the commissions work". The commission aims to finish its work by Saturday 16 February. Guindo said: "They'll be looking specifically at making a declaration of principle on the first round (December's poll). They will talk about irregularities and problems in the planning and organisation of the first round. That should help both sides make a decision when to go for the run-off." A specific focus for the commission will be the strengthening of Madagascar's electoral commission. "The idea is to see how they can make it more credible, more open and transparent. The agreement in principle is to have representatives of both sides in that commission, which would make it more acceptable to the opposition." Technical assistance for the electoral commission is also key for the run-off. Guindo said: "Both sides have agreed on having international observers. They'll be asking the UN to assist in deploying international observers, the EU, the OAU and Indian Ocean Commission. Switzerland, France and Japan have indicated they are willing to provide support." The general strike in support of Ravalomanana continues to block the entrance of much-needed supplies to the capital. Antananarivo is said to have a week's worth of fuel supply, but the crisis is expected to be resolved before this supply is exhausted. "We hope by Monday [18 February] we'll have another breakthrough, today I'm very optimistic ... we are on the right path," Guindo said.