Supreme Court declares Madagascar leader Rajoelina winner of presidential election
On Friday, Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court declared incumbent President Andry Rajoelina as the winner of last month’s election, effectively handing him a third term.
Mr Rajoelina got 58.96 per cent of the votes cast, the court said after dismissing various challenges lodged against the provisional results announced by the electoral body.
“Andry Rajoelina is elected as the president of the republic of Madagascar and is taking his functions as soon as the swearing (is conducted),” said Florent Rakotoarisoa, the head of the high constitutional court.
One of the challenges dismissed included one from the runner-up, lawmaker Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, who got 14.39 per cent of the vote, according to the court.
Ten out of 13 candidates boycotted the poll, but their names were already on the ballot, leaving them to share the remaining votes. Turnout was 46.35 per cent, the court said.
The November 16 election was preceded by weeks of protests, with the opposition accusing Mr Rajoelina of creating unfair election conditions.
Mr Rajoelina has dismissed allegations of unfairness of the vote, and the army has warned against attempts to destabilise the country.
The opposition has described voter turnout as the lowest in the country’s history.
Hajo Andrianainarivelo, a former minister among the candidates who boycotted the poll, has vowed to fight against what he said was a lack of respect for the laws of the land and oppression of the people.
“The popular fight begins now,” he said on Thursday.
Mr Rajoelina, 49, first came to power in a 2009 coup.
He stepped down in 2014 as leader of a transitional authority but then became president again after winning a 2018 election.
(Reuters/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Health
FG pledges policies, programmes for inclusive veterinary practice
Mr Abdullahi said the government would ensure effective coordination of veterinary practice, enabling the professionals to take pride in being essential health workers.
Abuja
Anambra police arrest 16 cultists, declare 21 others wanted
The commissioner also called on community and religious leaders to speak out against the evil of cultism in society.
Port Harcourt
Four dead, 70 vehicles burnt in fuel tanker explosion in Rivers: Police
“We managed to escape, but unfortunately, my Keke caught fire in the process.”
States
NAFDAC seals 50 outlets for selling unhygienic edible oil
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and imposing sanctions on violators.
States
Omolere emerges AA candidate for Ondo guber election
He also expressed optimism in the candidate’s ability to triumph at the polls.
Showbiz
Kanye West sued for allegedly discriminating against black staff, demanding employee cut off his locs
Provo stated that West instructed staff to “shave your heads,” but he declined due to his Muslim faith.