In a relatively low turnout of voters, polls closed to end the generally peaceful voting on Wednesday and counting of ballots has started in Madagascar’s runoff presidential election which is picking a new president between two former leaders.
Andry Rajoelina, 44, president from 2009 to 2014, received 39% of the vote in the first round in November, while Marc Ravalomanana, 69, president from 2002 to 2009, got 35%.
They two are now vying against each other for the first time since political turmoil in 2009 forced Ravalomanana from power. Both have said they will accept the runoff’s results.