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Interim President Michael Randrianirina announced on Thursday that candidates for Madagascar’s new cabinet will undergo polygraph tests before appointments are finalised.
The new cabinet lineup is expected to be announced early next week. Randrianirina dismissed the previous prime minister and cabinet 10 days ago without explanation.
“We have decided to use a polygraph,” the 52-year-old leader told local media.
“It is with this polygraph that the background integrity checks will be carried out. We will know who is corrupt and who can help us, who is going to betray the youth struggle.”
Randrianirina took office in October after demonstrations against water and power shortages last September escalated into protests that forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.
His army unit had sided with the protestors. He has pledged to hold new elections by late 2027.
The interim president said only candidates who pass the polygraph will be interviewed for cabinet positions, adding that he seeks officials who are “over 60 percent” clean.
The new prime minister, Mamitiana Rajaonarison, who took office on March 15, will participate in the vetting process.
“We’re not looking for someone who is 100 percent clean, but over 60 percent,” the president said.
“That way, Madagascar will finally be able to develop.”
