- Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina, has called for parliamentary elections early next, saying it is the only way out of the political crisis that has gripped the Indian Ocean Island since January this year.
The young president put March 20, as the day for the polls, a year since he took over the country's administration in a military backed change.
In March this year, former president Marc Ravalomanana, was forced to resign amidst pressure from the opposition led by Rajoelina and a rebelion by the majority of the army following weeks of bloody protests.
In a statement on the national television, Rajoelina, a former disc jockey and Mayor of the capital, Anatananarivo, also told off the international community to stop interfering in the country's matters.
"We ask you to no longer involve yourselves in our problem. The solution to the crisis will only come from the people through this election," Rajoelina said on state television late yesterday.
He said the only the people of Madagascar would resolve the crisis when the majority votes a new parliament, which he said would map a new beggining for the country. According to him, the new parliament would also draw a new constitution.
The annoucement follows the collapse, yet again, of the international brokered peace settlement between the four major players in Madagascar's politics.
His announcement has however ommitted the Presidential elections, which political analysts have said is a deliberate one, to continue to hold onto the power grip until a new constitution has been drawn.
Under the current constitution, Mr Rajoelina, 35 years of age, is not eligible for the presidency until he is at least five years older.
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