ANTANANARIVO — Madagascar is holding its first presidential vote since former disc jockey Andry Rajoelina took power in a military-backed coup in 2009 that left the nation gripped by international isolation and economic stagnation.Thirty-three candidates are competing on Friday to replace Mr Rajoelina. He deposed president Marc Ravalomanana almost five years ago, causing the African Union to suspend the country, and donors including the US to freeze at least $400m in aid.The freezing of aid forced the government to scale back services including education, water provision and healthcare, deepening poverty in the world’s second-biggest vanilla-producing nation.Top contenders include former finance minister Hery Rajaonarimampianina; Jean Louis Robinson, a medical doctor and former cabinet minister under Mr Ravalomanana; Roland Ratsiraka, a nephew of former president Didier Ratsiraka; and former foreign minister Pierrot Rajaonarivelo."Everyone is keen to avoid any semblance of unfair, u...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.