President bows out of election race

Madagascar’s President, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, has conceded defeat in his bid for a second term after finishing a distant third in the first round of voting in the island’s presidential vote. Rajaonarimampianina received just 8.82% in the November first round, the High Constitutional Court said on Wednesday, behind former Presidents Marc Ravalomanana, who got 35.35%, and Andry Rajoelina, who got 39.23%. A report on the EWN site notes that he will not take part in the second round, due on 19 December. The court rejected his request to have the election cancelled. ‘The people’s choice must be respected,’ Rajaonarimampianina said in a televised statement late on Friday.

Full report on the EWN site