Two ex-presidents through to Madagascar election run-off

Two former presidents of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana, came out top in the country’s election, results showed Saturday, and are set to compete in a run-off.

Neither won the 50 per cent required for a first-round win, with Rajoelina on 39.19 per cent and Ravalomanana on 35.29 per cent, according to final results from the CENI election commission, with the run-off scheduled for December 19.

Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who was running to hold onto power, secured only 8.84 per cent of the vote, the commission said, adding turnout at last week’s election was 54.3 per cent.

All three leading candidates, out of 36 runners, have raised allegations of fraud and malpractice by election authorities, and the result could be subject to a fierce legal battle.

“We have adopted three rules of conduct: transparency, impartiality and independence,” CENI president Hery Rakotomanana said as the final results were announced.