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Madagascar to elect new president Madagascar elects new president
(about 4 hours later)
Voters in Madagascar are set to take part in a presidential election. Voting is under way in Madagascar's presidential election.
In the last poll, in 2001, the island nation was pushed to the brink of civil war after then-incumbent Didier Ratsiraka refused to accept defeat.In the last poll, in 2001, the island nation was pushed to the brink of civil war after then-incumbent Didier Ratsiraka refused to accept defeat.
Eventually Mr Ratsiraka went into exile to France and the current leader, Marc Ravalomanana, took over.Eventually Mr Ratsiraka went into exile to France and the current leader, Marc Ravalomanana, took over.
He is widely expected to defeat his challengers. More than 14,000 observers are overseeing the vote, but some have warned of possible fraud.He is widely expected to defeat his challengers. More than 14,000 observers are overseeing the vote, but some have warned of possible fraud.
Mr Ravalomanana, for his part, has said it will be a model of democracy and transparency for Africa and the world.Mr Ravalomanana, for his part, has said it will be a model of democracy and transparency for Africa and the world.
His opponents include Roland Ratsiraka, the nephew of the former president.His opponents include Roland Ratsiraka, the nephew of the former president.
Q&A:Madagascar electionQ&A:Madagascar election
The BBC's Jonny Hogg in Antananarivo says it is unclear whether the president will get the 50% percent of the vote needed to avoid a second-round run off.The BBC's Jonny Hogg in Antananarivo says it is unclear whether the president will get the 50% percent of the vote needed to avoid a second-round run off.
There has been considerable controversy in the build up to the poll.There has been considerable controversy in the build up to the poll.
The vice prime minister in the former regime, Pierrot Rajaonarivelo, was stopped from returning to the country to enter the race and an army general whose candidature was refused attempted a military overthrow.The vice prime minister in the former regime, Pierrot Rajaonarivelo, was stopped from returning to the country to enter the race and an army general whose candidature was refused attempted a military overthrow.
Eight of the candidates subsequently supported the general's actions.Eight of the candidates subsequently supported the general's actions.
On Saturday, one of them, Pety Rakotoniaina continued to call on his supporters to boycott the ballot.On Saturday, one of them, Pety Rakotoniaina continued to call on his supporters to boycott the ballot.
There has been strong criticism of the government's preparations for the ballot with electoral observers warning of problems with voter lists and possible fraud.There has been strong criticism of the government's preparations for the ballot with electoral observers warning of problems with voter lists and possible fraud.