U.S. Mission Statement on Free and Fair Elections for the Official Campaign Season
“As Madagascar enters the official campaign period on October 10, the United States urges the collegial government and all candidates to put every effort into supporting free and fair elections with inclusive electoral processes that are trusted by voters and those elected. Elections are pivotal to the quality of a country’s governance. Elections can either greatly advance or set back a country’s long-term democratic and economic development. The most fundamental principles defining free and fair elections are that there must be genuine political competition and they must reflect the free expression of the will of the people.
To achieve this, the government of Madagascar must respect the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly of all candidates and their supporters as well as provide equal access to the media and campaign venues. We call upon all candidates to uphold public order as they share their campaign platforms and messages through peaceful gatherings and campaign events. The people of Madagascar must have the opportunity to make an informed choice in an environment of calm and safety before they go to the polls on November 9.
At President Biden’s meeting with African leaders, during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, all six leaders, including Madagascar’s, affirmed their commitment to hold free and fair elections with transparent electoral processes conducted by competent, independent, and impartial national electoral bodies, as enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance. President Biden reaffirmed that the United States is committed to supporting electoral processes to deepen democracy in Africa. The United States stands with the Malagasy people as they make their choice for who will lead their nation.” U.S. Ambassador Claire Pierangelo declared.
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