The chances of compromise and dialogue among Madagascar's political actors are getting slimmer by the day. Violent confrontation between supporters of two former presidents and the government of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina have intensified recently following contested changes to the country's electoral laws.
Insiders say only a free election process and a level playing field can save the country from another full-scale crisis. This despite behind-the-scenes efforts to bring the main protagonists to agree on a compromise ahead of elections in November. Former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina still have strong support and their parties have led numerous protest marches since the controversial electoral changes were voted in by Parliament in February.
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