Madagascar’s interim president, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, announced that candidates for the new cabinet are being put through lie detector tests before appointments are finalized. He said the goal is to weed out corruption and betrayal, insisting that only those who pass the polygraph will be considered.
Randrianirina, who took power after protests forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee last year, dismissed the previous cabinet without explanation 10 days ago. He pledged that the new government lineup will be revealed early next week.
The president explained that the test is part of integrity checks, adding: “We’re not looking for someone who is 100 percent clean, but over 60 percent.” He believes this approach will help Madagascar finally move toward development.
The new prime minister, Mamitiana Rajaonarison—an anti-money-laundering chief appointed on March 15—will join Randrianirina in interviewing only those who pass the polygraph. This unusual step reflects the interim government’s attempt to rebuild trust after months of unrest over water and power shortages.
