The politically volatile Indian ocean island of Madagascar looks set for more uncertainty after the winner of the presidential election was challenged by the beaten candidate.<br /><br />The result of the first presidential election since a 2009 coup gave victory to that coup leader’s chosen successor, former finance minister Hery Rajaonarimampianina. He has been given 53.5 percent of the December 20 vote.<br /><br />Turnout was just over 50 percent, reflecting a general disillusionment with politicians on the island, but Jean Louis Robinson, who was given 46.5 percent of the vote, claims there has been massive electoral fraud. <br /><br />Robinson has filed nearly 300 complaints, and is demanding a recount.<br /><br />“This is a provisional result proclaimed by the electoral commission, so it doesn’t bother me. I’m now waiting to see what the special court decides,” said one man.<br /><br />Since the 2009 coup Madagascar has suffered capital flight, and aid has been reduced, deepening poverty levels in one of Africa’s already-poorest states.<br /><br />Robinson’s recount demand has gone unanswered for the moment, with the provisional winner only demanding that people peacefully wait for the final result.
