Madagascar could hold elections by year's end

By Richard Lough

ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Madagascar's foreign minister said on Thursday that the Indian Ocean island's army-backed government was ready to hold elections before the end of 2009 if the "means" were available.

Madagascar has been rocked by political instability since Andry Rajoelina took power in March from then president Marc Ravalomanana with the help of dissident soldiers -- a move that was labelled a coup by many countries and regional blocs.

"The government is ready to hold presidential and legislative elections before the end of the year if there are the means to do so," Ny Hasina Andriamanjato told SADC-appointed mediator Joaquim Chissano upon his arrival in Antananarivo.

"The (interim government) has disengaged itself from the process of organising elections and asks the international community and civil society to organise the polls," he added.

Rajoelina has said elections would be held by the end of 2010, but a poll could happen earlier under the right conditions. The timing of elections and who will be able to stand have been sticking points for feuding political parties.

Observers say the foreign minister's statement may be a sign that Rajoelina's government wants more cooperation with the international community.

In June, internationally mediated talks between the island's leaders aimed at creating a consensus government collapsed.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed former Mozambican President Chissano to revive deadlocked negotiations in a political crisis that has alarmed investors, scared away tourists and slowed growth.