Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been inaugurated in as Madagascar’s new president, just days after the country was taken over by the military.
He follows deposed President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country and was impeached after weeks of youth-led protests seeking greater responsibility from his administration.
The ceremony was held at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, in front of a large crowd, including people who led the protests.
The country is now entering a time of transition, which will be fraught with political and legal challenges, albeit there is cautious hope about Col Randrianirina’s leadership abilities.
When he assumed control on Tuesday, October 14, he stated that the military will establish a government and hold elections within two years.
Prior to Friday’s swearing-in, he stated that reforming the Electoral Commission and cleaning up the voter rolls were required before new elections could be held, according to news website L’Express de Madagascar.
