Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina appears poised for reelection amid a controversial vote that saw widespread opposition boycotts and allegations of financial inducements.
The national electoral commission, with 85% of ballots tallied, reports Rajoelina securing 59.7% of the vote in the recently held election.
This substantial lead, if maintained, obviates the necessity for a runoff and secures Rajoelina a third term as the leader of the 28 million-strong Indian Ocean island.
A former DJ and mayor of Antananarivo, Rajoelina’s political career gained momentum as the head of a post-coup provisional government from 2009 to 2014.
Elected president in 2019, he courted controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic by advocating a herbal remedy for the virus.
Preceding the November 16 election, protests orchestrated by opposition candidates targeted Rajoelina.
Turmoil
Security forces quelled demonstrators with tear gas grenades, resulting in minor injuries to two opposition contenders.
Election-related turmoil led to the postponement of the vote by a week, with reports of some polling stations being set ablaze.
Former President Marc Ravalomanana, ousted by Rajoelina in 2009, joined nine other opposition candidates in boycotting the election, citing inadequate conditions for a fair vote. Despite the boycott, their names remained on the ballot.
Allegations of impropriety surfaced as individuals queued outside Rajoelina’s TGV party offices, asserting that party membership cards entitled them to monetary compensation for their votes, with claims of promises totaling around $75.
TGV officials deny offering financial incentives but acknowledge that the membership cards could confer preferential treatment in potential government aid distributions, particularly in a nation grappling with one of the world’s highest poverty rates, as per World Bank assessments.