For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 14, 2002
Elections in Madagascar
Statement by the Press Secretary
In recent days, up to 100,000 people have protested in Antananarivo
and other cities across Madagascar. President Bush believes
that there must be a transparent, just and democratic resolution to the
disputes about recent elections that are leading to these
protests. Candidates, political
parties, observers, and especially the electorate must have
confidence that the election will be resolved fairly and according to
law and that the results reflect the will of the Malagasy people and
the process of democratic transition.
Now that the election outcome is in the hands of the High
Constitutional Court, the United States hopes the Court will come to a
speedy conclusion. In the interim, we call on the
Presidential candidates to urge their supporters to ensure that the
election process proceeds peacefully. We are certain that
the democratic traditions of Madagascar will prevail and the High
Constitutional Court will decide these elections on the basis of the
Constitution and laws of Madagascar and international standards for
democratic elections.
The United States extends our friendship and support to the people
of Madagascar and expresses our confidence that the resolution of these
elections will reflect their commitment to democracy.
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