Since gaining independence in 1960, the island nation of Madagascar has been a hotbed for divisive and often violent politics. In 2009, a coup ousted elected president Marc Ravalomanana as concern over the distribution of the nation's economic growth arose. While Madagascar operated as a constitutional democracy, the economic growth was highly unbalanced and extractive leading to much tension that culminated in the coup that removed Ravalomanana from the presidency.
But four years later, it appears that Madagascar is finally taking steps to return to more inclusive political institutions. The nation held a presidential election Friday that appears to reflect the genuine will of the public. Because power has been transferred back to the people, both candidates have campaigned on platforms that intend to "help the unemployed" and improve education standards. Free elections have effectively forced political candidates to take on positions that are politically, economically, and socially inclusive.
While the results of the election will not be known for weeks, it will take even longer to gauge the success of Madagascar's transition to inclusive institutions. If free elections can turn the tide that has risen in the last four years of social unrest, then Madagascar may be in for sustainable economic growth in the future.
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