Madagascar counts presidential election, economy at stake

ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Counting began on Friday in Madagascar's presidential election which voters hope will encourage investors and donors to return to the Indian Ocean island, four years after a coup sent its economy reeling.

Madagascar, famed for its wildlife and eyed by foreign firms for its minerals, has struggled to lure back tourists and court oil and mining giants since street protests and mutinous troops swept former disc jockey Andry Rajoelina into power in 2009. The economy has slumped and poverty has deepened.