Andry Rajoelina leads the second round in Madagascar: partial results

Former President Andry Rajoelina took a quick lead on the electoral account in Madagascar on Friday with a clear advantage over his rival Marc Ravalomanana, according to partial official results.

With about a third of the polling stations counted, Rajoelina got 54.85% of the vote and Ravalomanana 45.15% after the parliamentary elections that took place on Wednesday.

Both sides have claimed victory and alleged fraud, raising fears of a controversial outcome and the risk of a new political crisis on the island of the Indian Ocean, marked by coups d'etat. State and disorders.

Rajoelina and Ravalomanana, two former presidents and long-time rivals, are facing a power struggle after finishing first and second in the November preliminary elections.

With a turnout of about 47%, Rajoelina 's early lead was still considered inconclusive.

"I have seen a mbadive fraud.Some electoral cards are fake," Ravalomanana told AFP Thursday at his campaign headquarters in Antananarivo, the capital.

"If the results follow the rules and take into account our complaints, then yes, I agree (with the results), but if they do not follow the democratic process, no."

Rajoelina's optimistic campaign staff responded with their own accusations, claiming to have detected "fraud" and "manipulation".

"We have taken a big step towards victory, the ballot boxes have spoken once and for all," former minister Hajo Andrianainarivelo told AFP. "If they say they have discovered fraud, I urge them to use the remedies provided by law."

The two candidates were banned from standing in the 2013 elections as part of an agreement to put an end to the recurring crises that have shaken Madagascar since the independence of France in 1960.

Ravalomanana, 69, was elected president in 2002, but was forced to resign seven years later following violent protests supported by Rajoelina, then mayor of the capital Antananarivo.

Rajoelina, now 44 years old, was installed by the army and ruled until 2014.

Full results are expected by January 9th.