ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — In an unprecedented move to combat governmental corruption, Madagascar’s current military leadership has announced that all prospective cabinet ministers must undergo mandatory polygraph examinations. President Michael Randrianirina, who assumed power following last October’s coup, revealed on Thursday that the nation has procured specialized lie detection equipment and trained personnel to administer these tests.
Randrianirina, formerly a colonel in an elite army unit, articulated that the screening process aims to identify individuals with minimal corruption tendencies rather than demanding absolute purity. “Our objective is to discern between corrupt elements and those capable of genuine assistance,” he stated. “We are not seeking candidates who are completely untainted, but rather those demonstrating at least 60% integrity.”
The political transition occurred after extended civil unrest primarily driven by young citizens frustrated with inadequate public services and limited opportunities in the poverty-afflicted nation of approximately 32 million people. Randrianirina deposed former President Andry Rajoelina amid these widespread demonstrations.
In a significant governmental overhaul last week, the military leader dismissed the entire cabinet and dissolved the existing administration. This was followed by Sunday’s appointment of a new prime minister. The revised selection protocol mandates that polygraph results will determine advancement to subsequent interview stages with both the president and prime minister.
Randrianirina has concurrently committed to reestablishing democratic processes, pledging to conduct fresh elections within a two-year timeframe from his assumption of power.