Madagascar counting votes in runoff presidential poll
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — The counting of ballots has started in Madagascar’s runoff presidential election, after the polls closed to end the generally peaceful voting Wednesday.
There was a relatively low turnout of voters on this Indian Ocean island nation which is selecting a new president between two former leaders.
Andry Rajoelina, 44, president from 2009 to 2014, received 39 per cent of the vote in the first round in November, while Marc Ravalomanana, 69, president from 2002 to 2009, got 35 per cent.
They two are now vying against each other for the first time since political turmoil in 2009 forced Ravalomanana from power. Both have said they will accept the runoff’s results.