MALAGASY PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

THE RETURN OF REVENENTS

With 7,597 polling stations processed, of the 24,852 polling stations in the country, 30.57%, Andry Rajoelina still leads with 40.87% of the vote, followed by Marc Ravalomanana, 35.99%.

The outgoing President Henry Rajaonarimampianina meanwhile, collects 07.01% of the vote.

Marc Ravalomanana, 68, and Andry Rajoelina, 44, are wealthy businessmen, two former heads of state engaged in an endless battle.

The first was overthrown in 2009 after demonstrations organized by the second.

In the capital, Antananarivo, the protests turned to riot and were repressed in the blood.

Rajoelina, supported by the army, then took the lead of a "High Authority of Transition" which led the country for four years "a coup" denounced as a coup by the international community.

In 2013, for the sake of appeasement, the two rivals were banned from running in the presidential election.

This is the first time they have clashed at the polls.

If no one exceeds the 50% mark, a second round is planned to decide between the two leading candidates on December 19th.

Voting irregularities were reported that were denied by the Electoral Commission. Observers from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) insisted Friday that claims will be "only" by the way legal.