Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court on Friday affirmed Andry Rajoelina’s victory in the recent election, granting him a third term with 58.96% of the votes.
Florent Rakotoarisoa, the court’s head, announced Rajoelina’s official election as president, following the dismissal of challenges against provisional results.
Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the runner-up, lodged a challenge, but the court rejected it. He secured 14.39% of the vote.
Ten out of 13 candidates boycotted the election, though their names remained on the ballot, sharing the votes. Turnout was 46.35%, according to the court.
The November 16 election faced prior protests, with the opposition alleging unfair conditions created by Rajoelina.
Rajoelina refuted claims of election unfairness, and the army cautioned against destabilizing attempts, maintaining order.
The opposition criticized the election’s turnout as the lowest in Madagascar’s history.
Former minister Hajo Andrianainarivelo, among the boycotting candidates, vowed to fight against perceived law disrespect and people’s oppression.
Describing it as the “popular fight,” Andrianainarivelo expressed determination to challenge the status quo.
Rajoelina, who first came to power in a 2009 coup, resigned in 2014 but returned as president after winning the 2018 election
