Madagascar’s top court ratifies presidential election result after boycott
1 December 2023, 10:54
President Andry Rajoelina will have a third term as leader following a boycott of the vote by opposition candidates.
Madagascar’s top court has ratified the victory of incumbent President Andry Rajoelina in last month’s election, giving him a third term as leader following a boycott of the vote by opposition candidates.
The High Constitutional Court said Mr Rajoelina received 58.96% of votes in the first round and was re-elected without the need for a run-off.
The results had already been announced by Madagascar’s electoral commission but the constitution requires they are ratified by the top court.
Mr Rajoelina, 49, first served as president of a provisional government from 2009-2014 following a political crisis and a coup in the Indian Ocean island. He won a vote in 2019.
The November 16 election was marked by trouble. It was delayed for a week because of a series of anti-Rajoelina protests led by the opposition. A curfew was announced on the eve of the election after protesters torched some ballot stations.
A coalition of opposition candidates called for a boycott although their names still appeared on ballots. Turnout was low, with only 46% of those registered casting a vote.
