Two former Presidents of Madagascar – Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana – are set to win against incumbent President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Rajeolina has won 43.5% of votes, whereas Ravlomanana has secured 42.44%. The incumbent President has trailed far behind, with a mere 2.93%.
The elections witnessed a turnout of 47.18% of the 9.9 million registered voters in a country with 25 million, as per the official electoral commission. As there is no outright winner, the poll is expected to go to a second round on December 19. This election, conducted in a fair manner and verified thus by a European Union observer mission, is key for the restoration of democratic ethos in Madagascar.
In 2009, Ravalomanana was forced out of office by protests (the African Union considers it a coup) led by Rajoelina. These events in 2009 led to an exodus of foreign investors out of the country and political instability.
People queued up to vote for change. Madagascar faces unemployment and corruption, amid extreme poverty. According to a World Bank report, more than 80 percent of the population lives in poverty, despite reserves of nickel, cobalt, gold, uranium and other minerals.
