From: Office of Terje Rod-Larsen < Subject: IPI Regional Insights - May 2013 Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 14:31:29 +0000 INTERNATIONAL PEACE INSTITUTE IPI Regional Insights May 2013 The International Peace Institute's (IPI) Regional Insights covers select regional and thematic developments based on information from a variety of sources. It draws on the research of IPI experts and is provided exclusively to major donors and members. Each monthly issue covers challenges and opportunities related to international peace, security, and development. Africa Madagascar: On May 3rd, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar rocked the country's political reconciliation process by announcing he will stand as a candidate in the presidential elections on July 24th. In 2009, the military seized power from President Marc Ravalomanana and handed power to President Rajoelina. The event was denounced by the international community as a coup and Madagascar was suspended from the African Union. In the negotiations that followed, both men agreed to a roadmap brokered by the South African Development Community and committed not to stand in the forthcoming elections. Thus, Rajoelina's unexpected decision has drawn regional and international criticism. President Rajoelina's advisors say the move was in response to Mr. Ravalomanana's wife, Lalao, deciding to stand and that this instigated the breakdown in political reconciliation. The president maintains his candidacy is also justified by former President Didier Ignace Ratsiraka's registration as a candidate. Madagascar's Special Electoral Court has been criticized for allowing President Rajoelina to register, at a time when some had considered the registration period closed. The court's seemingly limited response has also led to some speculation about its capacity to ensure a free and fair election in July and concerns of procedural delays. While the list of candidates for the presidency currently stands at 48, Mr. Rajoelina