After he officially registered his candidature to the HCC (Constitutional Court), Reverend Daniel Rajakoba was interviewed by the daily newspaper “Madagascar Tribune”, published in the October 16, 2006 edition.

Madagascar Tribune : Mr Reverend, here you are officially a candidate. Finally, which motivations have prompted  you to file your candidature?

• Reverend Daniel Rajakoba: “My current motivations are the same as the ones which led me to run for the polls 5 years ago: the determination to build and consolidate the foundations of a Nation, United and indivisible, to make a difference as regards to governance. I especially wish to show and take the other countries of the world with witness that I will be president not to be served, but to serve : to serve the Malagasy people, “the people of God”. Moreover, I am delighted to note that people begin to understand my message”.

Which message?

Candidate Daniel Rajakoba

• “That which I had addressed to the Malagasy people in 2001: “Do not rely on outward appearance. A shining program is not enough. It is necessary to consider the heart and delve deeper in the character of the candidate”. And I had given down to earth examples: the case of a mythomaniac who, once elected will see his obsession to worsen. The case of an unfaithful husband, who once elected President, will divert the State's goods for his mistresses. The case of a drug addict who will use its position to weave drug dealing networks. The case of a covetous spirit, who once brought to the head of the Nation will not have scruples to monopolize everything. He can overtly even use the Church to extend his financial kingdom”.

But your message had not produced the expected effect! Your score had remained low.

• “Indeed, at that time, my score was low. Not that the message was fallacious but because the listening rate was low. The Malagasy people did not want to hear anything. Its only will was: to get rid by any means of a politically finished man and his 25 years of reign. It was a completely legitimate wish besides”.

But today do you think that things have changed?

• “Yes and not. They have not changed since the large majority of the Malagasy people still crawls in abject misery. The people still awaits the fulfilment of vain promises. Things have changed since, if Marc Ravalomanana seemed to be the right man for the job 5 years ago, I am convinced that he is definitely not the right man anymore”.

Reverend, you speak like a true opponent !

• “I don't know. Perhaps. In politics, one is easily labelled : such candidate is right-wing, another one is left-wing. So-and-so supports the regime, such other is an opponent. The press has qualified me as an opponent. Well! But actually, I hold a realistic and veracious speech. The statistics, the official figures give me reason. You know them as much as I do, if not better. But the Fihavanantsika party aims to bring people and parties together”.

Do you mean that you run for the elections in order to save the Nation?

• “No! I do not have such an unappropriate ambition. For me there is only one Saviour of the Nation and the world. He who changed the History of humanity, about 2000 years ago. As for me, I am only a faithful servant. In the event of victory, I am ready to conduct an exemplary leadership: the practical application of Christian values in equity”.

Don't you fear all these powerful adversaries?

• “You say powerful because they have of large financial means? David had only a few stones and a sling against the heavy armour of the arrogant Goliath. And we all know the outcome of the fight. The collaboration of many compatriots, here as well as from overseas comforts me. They tell me: "Pastor, we know you for a long time. We know whom you are. We are ready to support your commitment. How can we be useful? ”. So some help me through technical or financial contributions, many others carry me in prayer. Some others confidently add : “Reverend, do not worry. In the conversations, we noted a genuine distrust of businessmen from the opinion”. See, these words and acts of support comfort my team”.

Your team?

• “Of course. Without a tightly bound team, efforts are vain, even if you have unlimited means. One needs a team to think together, to analyze and confront data, to propose solutions, and naturally to pray together. That is our approach. This fellowship driven state of mind, the sense of sharing, I learned to live all of that in my own household, throughout my career as a teacher, my political career, and my service within the Church”.

About the Church, Pastor, some people are concerned with the fanaticism of religious leaders.

• “No! Do you mean fanaticism as intolerance? If you are in power, you need a firm hand towards criminals, to sanction offences, to punish misuse of public funds. But I can assure you: the word religious may have many meanings. If I am elected, I will ensure that the Constitution and the existing laws are complied with. Neither Christian religion nor any other religion will ever become an official religion. No, there is absolutely nothing to be concerned with as far as I am concerned on this topic. I am an unconditional defender of independence of State from Church and vice versa. The republican values are for me fundamental”.

Pastor, tell us: is your experience in accordance with your ambitions?

• “Oh! as a matter of fact, I have never been a CEO of any company. But I have solid experience in  public governance. I am a former Minister. I lead the Fihavanantsika party. Thanks to God, this party has a broad national coverage today. Anyway, Madagascar does not need a businessman at the head of the Nation, but a statesman, a  real Raiamandreny (Elder)”.

That is to say ?

• “That is to say a visionary leader with a shepherd like heart, surrounded by competent and upright technicians. Such a leader is what the Malagasy people - God's people- truly needs.”

Why do you always specify “God's people”?

• “Why? Because the naive ones think that the people belong to them, after they reach presidency. They say: “my people”, whereas it is the people of God. This ignorance dictated by the sin of pride, leads to the totalitarian drifts of which many African countries are victims. Madagascar is not an exception. Some so-called self-made men get the power after having manipulated the people and the elections. And they do not have any scruple to take possession of the people, the territory and the riches of the country”.

Which are the most urgent measures according to your team ?

• “Our project encompasses a well tied-up economic program. But let us wait the for the official campaign to detail it. One should not caught campaigning before the official time ! We have to be cautious… (burst of laughters). But I can nevertheless deliver three examples to you: recovery of the Malagasy currency, free health care, and naturally the respect of the freedom of speech and expression, for the Press”.

Thank you Pastor. We wish you full success.

• “Thank you”.