09 Jan 2019 | 05:02 AM UTC
Madagascar: Court confirms Rajoelina as winner of presidential election Jan. 8 /update 11
Madagascar High Constitutional Court confirms Andry Rajoelina as winner of the December 19 second-round presidential election; protests possible
Event
The Madagascar High Constitutional Court (HCC) confirmed on Tuesday, January 8, that Andry Rajoelina won the December 19, 2018, presidential election with 55.7 percent of the vote. Celebrations by Rajoelina supporters were reported in the capital of Antananarivo. Protests held by supporters of Rajoelina's rival, former President Marc Ravalomanana, are possible in the coming days, along with a heightened security presence. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Rajoelina's inauguration ceremony will be held in Antananarivo on Saturday, January 19, at the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium. A heightened security presence and transportation and business disruptions are likely. Protests and other public demonstrations are also possible on January 19.
Context
Madagascar held presidential runoff elections on December 19, 2018, between Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana, both former presidents. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the full provisional results on December 27, 2018, with Rajoelina winning 55.7 percent of the vote and Ravalomanana winning 44.3 percent. Ravalomanana denounced the results and alleged electoral fraud, prompting the review from the HCC.
Advice
Individuals in Madagascar are advised to monitor local media, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions, and refrain from discussing political topics in public.
