Madagascar - Voting begins for Presidential poll 25.10.2013

Voting begins in Madagascar presidential poll

First election since 2009 military-backed coup has many hopeful of ending political and economic crisis.

Polls have opened for Madagascar's presidential election with hopes of ending a five-year crisis and rebuild investor confidence to mend an economy crippled since President Andry Rajoelina seized power in a 2009 military-backed coup. It is the first vote on the island off Africa since the upheaval four years ago triggered by mutinous soldiers that drew sanctions against Madagascar and prompted donors to freeze crucial budget support. With no clear favourite among the 33 candidates, Friday's election is not expected to produce an outright winner, meaning a likely runoff in December. Some of the main political players, including strongman Andry Rajoelina and the man he toppled in March 2009, Marc Ravalomanana, have been barred from running to prevent their long-standing political wrangling from jeopardising the vote. Presidential hopefuls have crisscrossed the Indian Ocean isle famed for its exotic wildlife and threatened rainforests, making lofty promises of free primary education, better management of mineral resources and a crackdown on corruption. "People have waited a long time for this election. Finally, a chance for change," said 42-year-old Volana Ravaoarisoa, who lost her job in a textiles factory after the United States suspended Madagascar from a trade pact after the coup. Many Malagasy are, however, less optimistic and fear the result will be disputed. That would risk prolonging uncertainty and more in the country, as it struggles to lure back foreign investors, tourists and donors.