Madagascar remains calm as voters in the island country head to the ballot to elect their next president.
The vote is considered by many as being important for the country’s future, and has attracted 36 candidates, a record number since independence.
The Wednesday presidential vote is the country’s 10th since it gained self-rule from France in 1960.
Pollsters have pinned the favorite pins on three candidates, all of whom have led the country before.
Andry Rajoelina, Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina are the frontrunners in the election, and will battle for favour from the country’s 10 million voters.
In most polling stations within the capital, Antananarivo, voters maintained order and waited patiently to cast their votes.
Even though the number of presidential candidates is on a record high, the electoral body provided well labeled ballot papers, with distinct numbers for each candidate.
The streets are however still as busy as always. Shops and business enterprises remain open eventhough the day was declared a public holiday.
From the numbers within the polling stations, voter turnout may not hit high figures.
The polling stations will however remain open until 5:00PM.
