Madagascar’s military ruler decrees that ministers must pass lie detector tests

Madagascar's military president, Michael Randrianirina, who came to power in a coup in October 2023, has decreed that all new ministerial candidates must pass a lie detector test. This decision follows his dismissal of the prime minister and cabinet earlier in March due to public dissatisfaction with their perceived corruption and ties to the previous regime. Randrianirina aims to use the polygraph tests to identify and appoint ministers who are less corrupt and more aligned with the goals of the "Gen Z Madagascar" movement, which initially supported his rise to power. He plans to announce the new cabinet early next week, emphasizing that he is seeking candidates who are at least 60% "clean." However, some members of the Gen Z Madagascar movement have expressed skepticism about the reliability and effectiveness of lie detector tests.

Madagascar's leader, President Michael Randrianirina, announced that prospective government ministers will undergo lie detector tests. This initiative aims to identify and exclude corrupt individuals from the new government. Randrianirina, who assumed power in October following a coup, stated that the country has acquired a polygraph machine and specialist to conduct the vetting process. Candidates failing the polygraph will be eliminated from consideration, while those who pass will proceed to interviews. The move comes after Randrianirina dismissed his cabinet and appointed a new prime minister, seeking to address widespread frustration over government services and poverty in the resource-rich nation.