Madagascar’s former president Andry Rajoelina is about to win the run-off election to the highest state office in the African island nation, according to preliminary results. After counting more than three million of the five million votes cast, the 44-year-old lies with 55.1 percent clearly ahead of his rival Marc Ravalomanana (44.8 percent), the electoral commission announced today.
The full election result is expected for the coming week. The turnout in the runoff election on Wednesday was about 50 percent. The electorate could decide with Rajoelina and Ravalomanana between two former presidents, who are considered as political archenemies. Rajoelina had received the most votes in the first ballot with about 39 percent. The 69-year-old Ravalomanana received about 35 percent.
Former President Hery Rajaonarimampianina retired with just under nine percent in the first round. He had resigned only in September to run again.
