Madagascar: Final presidential election results expected January 8 /update 10

Event

Final results of the December 19 run-off presidential elections are expected to be released by the High Constitutional Court (HCC) on Tuesday, January 8, following examinations of fraud claim requests. The ceremony is expected to take place at the Ambohidahy state palace in the capital Antananarivo. A heightened security presence is expected in central Antananarivo; clashes between supporters of different political parties, as well as between political supporters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Localized transportation disruptions are also likely.

Context

Security forces in Antananarivo used tear gas to disperse a banned political rally hosted by supporters of former President Marc Ravalomanana on January 2 to protest alleged irregularities in the December 19 presidential election. A similar demonstration was held on December 29. Organizers also threatened to launch demonstrations "every day" from January 2 until the high court addresses voter fraud claims.

Madagascar's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the full provisional results of the presidential election on December 27. According to the initial results, former President Andry Rajoelina secured 55.66 percent of the vote over Ravalomanana, who obtained over 44.34 percent.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar are advised to monitor local media, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and refrain from discussing domestic political issues in public.