Madagascar’s presidential election shows low voter turnout

KIGALI, Rwanda

Voter turnout in Thursday’s presidential election in Madagascar was low, according to election officials.

As vote counting continued on Friday, the electoral commission estimated only 39.1% of the 11 million registered voters voted, due to opposition calls for a boycott.

The Safidy Observatory on Thursday recorded an overall turnout of 22.4% at midday compared to 44% in the first round of the 2018 presidential elections at the same time.

In a statement, the coalition of opposition candidates who had called for a boycott hailed the low turnout in the island nation, east of the African mainland.

Most people did not vote, resulting in a record low turnout rate for a Madagascar presidential election, the opposition candidates grouping calling themselves Collective said.

The US Embassy in Madagascar said the election was peaceful with no reported incidents of violence but expressed concern about reports of low turnout.

“The US Embassy and other international observers will monitor the vote count and continue to watch the process closely,” it said in a statement.

The embassy and other observers deplored the lack of adequate staffing and training for election officials at several polling stations.

Thirteen candidates were vying for the top post, including incumbent Andry Rajoelina, who is seeking a second term.

Provisional results will be released next Friday, according to the electoral body.

If no candidate gets 50% of the vote, a second round election will follow on Dec. 20.

A coalition of 10 out of 12 opposition candidates, including former presidents Hery Rajaonarimampianina and Marc Ravalomanana, had called on voters to boycott the election over transparency concerns.