Six prominent presidential candidates in Madagascar have announced they intend to boycott this week's election.
The six candidates from different opposition groups have announced they will not vote on Thursday and will push their followers not to vote despite weeks of campaigning.
"We will call on people not to vote," presidential candidate Marc Ravalomanana, 73, said, one of two past presidents to join boycott demands.
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Madagascar has been rocked by a bitter campaign between President Andry Rajoelina, seeking re-election, and most opposition figures.
For more than a month, 11 of the 13 opposition candidates have led near-daily, unofficial marches in Antananarivo, opposing what they describe as an "institutional coup" in favor of the incumbent.
"I will not stand for election, that is very clear," said Hery Rajaonarimampianina, 65, another former president vying to replace Rajoelina.
The president of the lower house of parliament, who heads a mediation group tasked with finding a solution to the situation last week and called for the suspension of presidential elections to guarantee "peace" and "harmony" in the country.
However, Rajoelina's spokeswoman dismissed the plea as a "far-fetched idea."
On Sunday, the outgoing president attended his final campaign rally in Antananarivo in front of thousands of supporters wearing t-shirts with his image.
The European Union, the US, and other members of the international community have expressed "deep concern" about the rising tensions and have condemned the use of excessive force against the opposition.
