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

Michael Randrianirina, who sacked PM and cabinet without explanation, claims measure is to root out corruption Madagascar’s military president has said new ministers will have to pass lie detector tests to root out corrupt candidates, after he dismissed the prime minister and cabinet without explanation earlier this month. Michael Randrianirina came to power in a coup in October after weeks of youth-led protests under the banner “Gen Z Madagascar”. However, young people were quickly disenchanted by his choice of government officials, which they saw as being part of the old, corrupt elite. Randrianirina told local media: “We have decided to use a polygraph. It is with this polygraph that the background integrity checks will be carried out.” The president said a new cabinet would be announced early next week. “We will know who is corrupt and who can help us, who is going to betray the youth struggle,” he said. Malagasy young people started protesting in September last year, first against water and power cuts, then demanding a complete overhaul of the political system. At least 22 people were killed in the first days of the protests, according to the UN. On 11 October, t