Madagascar leader poised for third term after boycotted election

Madagascar's President and a presidential candidate Andry Rajoelina flanked by his wife Mialy Rajoelina as he arrives to cast his ballot at a polling station, during the presidential election in Ambatobe, Antananarivo, Madagascar November 16, 2023. REUTERS/Zo Andrianjafy/File Photo

ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Madagascar's incumbent leader Andry Rajoelina effectively secured a third term after the electoral body (CENI) on Saturday said he had obtained the most votes in a presidential election marked by a low turn out and an opposition boycott.

Provisional results announced by CENI at the end of tallying showed Rajoelina garnered 58.9% of the vote followed by Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, a lawmaker, who got 14.4%. The country's High Constitutional Court is mandated to announce final results within nine days after the poll body declares provisional results.