Madagascar’s military leader, President Michael Randrianirina, has announced that all candidates for ministerial positions in the new government will be required to undergo lie detector tests as part of an anti-corruption drive. The directive comes as the administration seeks to rebuild public trust following recent political upheaval.
Randrianirina, who seized power in a coup in October, said the government has already acquired a polygraph machine and a specialist to conduct the screenings. Candidates who fail the tests will be disqualified, while those who pass will proceed to further interviews as part of the selection process.
The move follows the dismissal of the entire Cabinet and the appointment of a new prime minister, signaling a broader effort to reform governance. The president has pledged to tackle corruption and organize elections within two years, though analysts say the effectiveness and fairness of polygraph testing in public appointments remain widely debated.