Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - “The voting took place without incidents, but there were difficulties with regard to mistakes in lists of voters and voting papers” Fides learned from local sources in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, where presidential elections took place yesterday 3 December.
“For the first time computers were used and this raised problems which were eventually solved” the sources told Fides. There were 6,900,000, voters and 17.584 poling stations. With the help of other countries, the government arranged for votes in isolated areas to be collected by helicopter. Torrential rain during the voting was a problem in some parts of the Island.
The vote was watched by about 14,000 observers mostly members of about 40 local associations but also from the European Union, the Indian Ocean Commission and the South African Development Community Trade.
The results are due to be confirmed before Christmas by the High Court of Justice on the basis of reports from the electoral offices.
First results in the region of Antananarivo and four other districts of Madagascar, show Marc Ravalomanana in the lead by over 70%, followed by Herizo Razafimaleo, Ratsiraonana and Roland Ratsiraka.
Results from places where the outgoing president is less popular have yet to arrive. Commentators foresee widespread support for the most credible local candidates.
If Ravalomanana wins 50% of the votes he will obtain a second mandate as president. If this does not happen there will be a second round of voting 30 days after the announcement of the results of the first round. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 4/12/2006 righe 31 parole 344)
