Madagascar seems to be making a habit of having two presidents.

Following the 2001 presidential election, the outgoing president Didier Ratsiraka refused to accept the victory of Marc Ravalomanana. There were, literally, two people who proclaimed themselves president. At the start the international community was split between the two sides and official dignitaries paid a visit to both parties. However, by July the international community had turned against him and Ratsiraka’s forces were not powerful enough to contest power any more – Ravalomanana having been officially sworn in twice (like Obama!), once in February and then again in May. In July Ratsiraka fled the country and is still in exile.

As reported, last week there were big anti-government protests led by the mayor of the capital Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina. (He was elected mayor in December 2007, beating the president’s candidate by a large majority). Anyway, at another big anti-government demonstration last Saturday Rajoelina pronounced himself responsible for the executive branch of government. L’Express de Madagascar reports him as saying “Until the formation of a transition government, I will give orders concerning the management of national affairs and the ministries”.

Obviously, President Ravalomanana has retorted by saying that he is still in charge and that his presidency is legitimate. (He was re-elected in December 2006). However, it is noted that he has announced that the Prime Minister will attend the African Union summit. This is unusual. Also, there are reports that Rajoelina has been contacting members of the military. He already has the support of a chunk of the opposition. There are plans for a motion in parliament for the destitution of President Ravalomanana. Today he has announced that he is doing the same before the High Constitutional Court.

Recall that the proximate source of the protests was President Ravalomanana’s reaction to a television broadcast by Didier Ratsiraka on a station owned by Rajoelina. This perhaps adds some background to what might be called the ‘two presidencies’ stance taken by Rajoelina on Saturday.