Madagascar leader eyes lie detector tests for ministers

Anyone applying to become a minister in Madagascar’s new government will be subject to polygraph tests to root out those involved in corruption, the country’s military leader has said.

President Michael Randrianirina, who came to power in a coup on the Indian Ocean island in October, said Madagascar had purchased a lie detector and an expert to operate it to examine new government ministers.

“We will know who is corrupt and who can help us,” Randrianirina said. he said.

“We’re not looking for someone who’s 100 percent clean, we’re looking for someone who’s over 60 percent clean.”

Randrianirina, a colonel in an elite army unit, ousted president Andry Rajoelina after a weeks-long uprising last year by mostly young Malagasy people fed up with the lack of government services and opportunities in a country of about 32 million people beset by poverty.

Randrianirina dismissed the entire cabinet and dissolved the government last week.

He appointed a new prime minister on Sunday.

“Candidates who fail after passing the polygraph test will not proceed to the interview,” Randrianirina told reporters. he said.

“Those who pass the lie detector test will be interviewed by me and the prime minister.”

Randrianirina promised to hold new elections within two years of coming to power.