Malagasies head to the polls on Friday, the first since a military-backed coup in 2009 that left the island nation plunged into deep political crisis. With more than 30 candidates seeking to replace President Rajoelina who deposed Marc Ravolamanama, many hope that the elections will put an end to the economic crisis that the country is facing.
Though the international community has high hopes that the polls will resolve Madagascar’s problems, there have been complaints from those inside the country. Many citizens have not been registered on the voters rolls, key leaders have been barred from running and many of the candidates that are competing are being backed financially by Rajoelina and Ravolamanama.
Some fear that more years of economic stagnation and political stalemate may continue.
