The two candidates vying to become Madagascar’s next president have all claimed victory following Wednesday’s presidential runoff election.
Final results are yet to be announced with just five percent of votes declared. Out of the 5 percent, Andry Rajoelina is said to be leading with 57 percent.
Rajoelina’s rival, Marc Ravalomanana is currently trailing. Ravalomanana was President from 2002 to 2009 before he was ousted in a military-backed coup.
Rajoelina was installed as President and held power until 2014. He won the first round of voting which was contested by some 36 candidates.
In that vote Andry Rajoelina obtained 39.19 percent while Marc Ravalomanana got 35.29 percent.
Shortly after results started coming in, Ravalomanana told supporters that “We have seen the results. Even if they are not official they are part of the results: Papa wins.” Papa is the nickname for Ravalomanana.
Rajoelina also responded saying “My competitor said he has won but the fact is that number 13 has won in the whole of Madagascar.”
Provisional results in the run-off are expected to be announced before the end of the year. Ten million registered voters are taking part in Wednesday’s runoff.
The World Bank has described Madagascar as one of the world’s poorest nations with more than two-thirds of the population of 25 million living in extreme poverty, while corruption is widespread.
Source: Africafeeds.com
