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Incumbent president Andry Rajoelina has voiced confidence in being re-elected, brushing off weeks of protests that have agitated the Indian Ocean Island nation. Civil society groups including unions, students, and religious leaders had called for a postponement of the election
Madagascar has 11 million registered voters. But many among them reported to have stayed away from voting booths, during the first round of the presidential election, according to the country’s election management body (Céni).
The Céni is expected to announce the “provisional consolidated results” by November 25. Later, the High Constitutional Court will proclaim the official election results at the beginning of December. A runoff has been scheduled for Dec. 20 if no candidates attain more than 50 percent.
Speaking on behalf of 10 of 12 opposition candidates, Hajo Andrianainarivelo praised what he called voters’ maturity. He cited observers’ reports which put turnout at around 20 percent, which is contested by the ruling party.
In the meantime, Incumbent president Andry Rajoelina has voiced confidence in being re-elected, brushing off weeks of protests that have agitated the Indian Ocean Island nation. Civil society groups including unions, students, and religious leaders had called for a postponement of the election.
Andry Rajoelina is seeking re-election for a second term and is riding on a record of being the “Builder President” for infrastructure projects. But his detractors call such investments as white elephants. A violent crackdown on protests by security forces ahead of the election has tainted his democratic credentials. The country is upfront with a struggling economy, lack of social services, and widespread poverty, which weighs down its popularity.
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https://trendsnafrica.com/opposition-to-boycott-elections-in-madagascar/
Rajoelina first took power in 2009 and served as president in a transitional government until 2014 after the previous leader, Marc Ravalomanana, was removed in a military-led coup. He made a return in 2018 when he beat Ravalomanana in a runoff. Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest despite its rich natural resources. Many are indifferent to elections as they struggle to survive and avoid getting involved in politics.
