By John Ikani
Madagascar’s incumbent President Andry Rajoelina, is in a substantial early advantage as vote counting from Thursday’s polls – which witnessed a boycott by certain political parties – gets underway.
With votes from 37% of polling stations tallied by Sunday evening, President Rajoelina commands a leading position with 62.4%, leaving Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko at 12.2% and ousted ex-president Marc Ravalomanana at 11.2%.
The electoral commission of Madagascar reported a 43% turnout based on the counted polling stations.”
Some opposition candidates, who withdrew from the presidential race, attribute the notably low voter participation to their campaign urging voters to boycott the election.
Opposition politician Hajo Andrianainarivelo expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “The elections did not respect the required democratic standards, proven by the lowest participation rate in Madagascar’s electoral history.”
The period leading up to the election was marked by disorder, as 10 out of the 12 opposition presidential candidates decided to boycott the poll.
Their decision stemmed from the failure to prevent Mr. Rajoelina, who holds joint French citizenship, from participating. They contested President Rajoelina’s pursuit of a third term and raised concerns about the credibility of the election.
During the weeks preceding the vote, demonstrations and clashes with the police occurred.
A curfew was imposed in the capital, Antananarivo, on the eve of the election, adding to the tumultuous atmosphere surrounding the electoral process.
