Initial Support: Rajoelina first emerged as a prominent opposition leader in 2009. He was the mayor of the capital city, Antananarivo, and gained popularity through his criticism of Ravalomanana's government and his populist rhetoric. Rajoelina's supporters, particularly the urban population and some civil society groups, organized public demonstrations and protests.
Political Crisis and Transition: In March 2009, tensions between Rajoelina and Ravalomanana escalated, leading to a political crisis. The military declared support for Rajoelina, and Ravalomanana resigned. Rajoelina was installed as the transitional president of Madagascar.
Interim Period: As transitional president, Rajoelina faced the challenge of restoring stability and conducting democratic elections. His tenure was marked by political polarization, legal challenges, and some accusations of authoritarian behavior. Negotiations were held with opposition groups to establish an inclusive transitional government.
2013 Presidential Election: In 2013, a presidential election was held in Madagascar to elect a new leader. Rajoelina was among the candidates, and after several rounds of voting, he emerged as the winner. The Supreme Constitutional Court validated the results, despite challenges from other candidates.
Challenges and Controversies: Since becoming president, Rajoelina has faced various challenges, including economic difficulties, political disputes, and allegations of corruption. His administration has undertaken infrastructure projects and development initiatives, but critics have expressed concerns about transparency and mismanagement.
Overall, Andry Rajoelina became president of Madagascar after emerging as a leading opposition figure during the political crisis in 2009. He assumed power as the transitional president and later won the presidential election in 2013, ushering in a new chapter in the country's history. However, his tenure has been marked by both progress and challenges.
