Madagascar's Constitutional Court has officially affirmed the re-election of President Andry Rajoelina after a contentious election held a fortnight ago.
The court declared that Mr. Rajoelina secured 59% of the votes cast, thereby confirming his victory for a third term. Despite opposition complaints questioning the credibility of the vote, with a notably low turnout of 46%, the court dismissed these concerns.
Most opposition parties boycotted the election.
“Andry Rajoelina is elected as the president of the republic of Madagascar and is taking his functions as soon as the swearing [is done],” Florent Rakotoarisoa, the head of the Constitutional Court was quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying.
Despite ten out of 13 presidential contenders withdrawing their candidacies, their names were retained on the ballot. These candidates expressed doubts about the election's credibility and urged their supporters not to vote, contributing to the historically low turnout in the island country.
Did you read this?
The withdrawing candidates also criticized Mr. Rajoelina's pursuit of a third term and questioned the legitimacy of his candidacy due to his dual French nationality.
Earlier, the Constitutional Court had dismissed their attempt to nullify Mr. Rajoelina's bid for a new term.
In the election, Mr. Rajoelina emerged victorious over his two main competitors, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko and former President Marc Ravalomanana, who secured 14% and 12% of the vote, respectively.
The electoral process was marred by weeks of protests and confrontations with the police, with the opposition alleging that Mr. Rajoelina had manipulated the electoral conditions unfairly. Mr. Rajoelina, however, dismissed these allegations.
