News - Andry Rajoelina re-elected as Madagascar President

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina won re-election in the first round of voting, which was boycotted by almost all opposition candidates, AFP reports, citing the country's electoral commission. Rajoelina won 58.95 percent of the vote in the November 16 presidential election, according to results provided by the poll body, which must be validated by the Constitutional Court. Turnout was just over 46 percent, lower than the previous presidential election in 2018, which the election commission attributed to “ambient political climate” and “manipulation of opinion.” Rajoelina came to power in 2009 after a revolt that ousted former President Marc Ravalomanana. He then missed the next election, only to come back with a win in 2018. 11 million voters had to choose between him and 12 other candidates. Ten rivals of the incumbent president abandoned the election campaign and called on voters to shun the voting, calling it a farce. Rajoelina is accused by her rivals of corruption and ignoring the plunder of the country's natural resources, including its precious rosewood forests.