Source: France 24 [French state media]
“Six prominent presidential candidates in Madagascar told AFP on Monday they plan to boycott this week’s elections, worsening a political crisis engulfing the country. The six, who are part of a larger grouping of opposition candidates holding almost daily protests for weeks, said they will not take part in Thursday’s vote and will urge their supporters not to cast their ballot. ‘We will call (on people) not to go and vote,’ said presidential hopeful Marc Ravalomanana, 73, one of two former presidents to join calls for a boycott. The Indian Ocean island nation has been shaken by a fierce battle between President Andry Rajoelina, who is running for re-election, and most opposition leaders. … demonstrations have been regularly dispersed by police that on Saturday fired teargas and detained 11 protesters at yet another rally.” (11/13/23)