Former presidents toe-to-toe in Madagascar run-off vote

Madagascans voted yesterday in a run-off election between two rivals who have waited years to come face-to-face in a fierce battle for power in the Indian Ocean island.

The clash between Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina could revive instability in the impoverished country if the result is rejected by the losing candidate or fraud allegations are widespread, analysts warn.

The two contenders came a close first and second in November’s preliminary vote, far before their competitors.

Mr Ravalomanana and Mr Rajoelina were banned from running in the 2013 vote as part of an agreement to end recurring crises that have unsettled Madagascar since its independence from France in 1960.

In the first round, Mr Rajoelina won 39 per cent compared with 35 per cent for Mr Ravalomanana. Both camps claimed they were victims of fraud and cheating.

Mr Ravalomanana, 69, was elected president in 2002 but was forced to resign seven years later amid violent demonstrations supported by Mr Rajoelina, then mayor of Antananarivo. Mr Rajoelina, 44, was installed by the army and ruled until 2014.

“There are fake ID cards and fake voter cards circulating right now,” Mr Ravalomanana said in the candidates’ TV debate before polling day.

“If the Interior Ministry does not do anything, there will be problems.

“I will work and do anything to make Madagascar a developed country.”

He stressed his experience and character in contrast to the younger Mr Rajoelina.

Mr Rajoelina used the debate to strike an authoritative tone, saying he would “be the president of everyone”.

About 45 per cent of the 10 million registered voters abstained from the first round, and the two surviving contenders criss-crossed the country on helicopters as they pulled out all the stops to secure votes.

Both have spent lavishly on campaigning, with promises and handouts distributed liberally to voters who are among the poorest in Africa.

With the personalities of the two contenders dominating the election, issues such as poverty, corruption and lack of basic services have been largely pushed to one side.

Some analysts warn the election fallout could damage the country’s chances of development.

“We have two egos face-toface who do not see themselves losing and who could go on until breaking point, especially if the results are very tight,” said Sahonda Rabenarivo, of the Observatory of Political Life in Madagascar.

Mr Ravalomanana is a former milkman from a peasant family who went on to build a business empire, while Mr Rajoelina is a former party planner and successful entrepreneur with slick communication skills.

Departing president Hery Rajaonarimampianina was eliminated in the first round after collecting nine per cent.