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Polling percentage at Madagascar presidential elections is at a record low of below 20% with most of the opposition parties boycotting the general elections in Madagascar, the ruling party supporters claim a cakewalk. But the take of the opposition parties is different. They want the elections to be declared null and void and a fresh date should be announced for the poll after ensuring it is done in a free and fair manner.
Polling percentage at Madagascar presidential elections is at a record low of below 20% with most of the opposition parties boycotting the general elections in Madagascar, the ruling party supporters claim a cakewalk. But the take of the opposition parties is different. They want the elections to be declared null and void and a fresh date should be announced for the poll after ensuring it is done in a free and fair manner.
In the meantime, counting is underway in Madagascar after the first round of voting in the country’s highly contested presidential elections which took place yesterday (Thursday). Before the poll, there were violent protests and exhortations by some opposition parties to boycott the elections, mentioning that an institutional coup had taken place orchestrated by the current president to stay in power. As reported by www.trendsnafrica.com, ten out of the 12 opposition candidates called for citizens to boycott the vote, saying the conditions for a fair election had not been met
In a statement after polling booths closed, they said the participation rate was the lowest in the country’s history, at around 20%. There were reports of queues at polling stations in areas that support incumbent President Andry Rajoelina. Very low turnout was noticed in constituencies in which opposition parties have the influence. The opposition grouping had been pushing for a postponement of the vote, a call supported by civil society groups. It also demanded new people be put in charge of the electoral commission and a special court be set up to hear vote disputes.
While Andry Rajoelina is seeking a second term in office, a violent crackdown on protests by security forces ahead of the election has tainted his democratic credentials. The struggling economy, lack of social services, and widespread poverty have also hurt his popularity.
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. Ravalomanana and another former president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, are among those boycotting the election.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/madagascar-presidential-poll-today-opposition-fears-unfair-poll/
https://trendsnafrica.com/opposition-to-boycott-elections-in-madagascar/
Many are hoping this election will break with a past of disputed votes, coups, and political instability that have characterized the country since it gained independence from France in 1960. The country has been in turmoil since June after reports revealed that Rajoelina had acquired French citizenship in 2014. Results are expected shortly.
