Madagascar’s united opposition rejects first-round presidential poll results, citing irregularities and declares them illegitimate.
In a statement, the 11-candidate platform declines responsibility for potential political and social instability following the contested election.
Ten opposition candidates initially called for an election boycott before the November 16 opening round.
Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, a candidate, criticizes “alarming anomalies” in the electoral process, raising questions about result validity.
The Independent National Election Commission was set to announce results, with 91% tallied, showing incumbent Andry Rajoelina at 59.52%.
Rajoelina, elected in 2018, previously served in 2009 after a rebellion ousted then-president Marc Ravalomanana.
In the first round, 60% of an 11-million-strong electorate did not vote, and the opposition collective urged voters to consider the elections nonexistent.
The opposition refused to campaign and organized protests in Antananarivo, regularly dispersed with tear gas.
The opposition denounces irregularities, including closed polling stations and the use of state resources by the outgoing president for his campaign.
The opposition’s united stance challenges the legitimacy of the election and calls attention to concerns over the electoral process.
