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Malagasy ex-leader Ravalomanana seeks to rule again

Sunday August 19 2018
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Former Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana duringa press conference in Sandton, South Africa, on February 17, 2011. He has submitted his papers to run for presidency in the November elections. AFP PHOTO | STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN

By RIVONALA RAZAFISON

Former Madagascar leader Marc Ravalomanana has submitted his papers to run for presidency in the upcoming elections.

Sarah Ravalomanana, the daughter to Marc Ravalomanana, on Saturday filed his bid for the November 7 poll with the High Constitutional Court (HCC).

He is expected face former president Andry Rajoelina and the incumbent Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who has also declared to stand again.

“The state of poverty the nation is currently facing does not deserve the population. We will rebuild the nation after its destruction since 2009,” Ravalomanana said during a ceremony in the port city of Toamasina.

Ravalomanana ruled the island nation from 2002 until 2009 before being ousted by the then Antananarivo mayor Andry Rajoelina in a military-backed coup.

Ravalomanana and Rajoelina were barred from contesting in the 2013 election, which Mr Rajaonarimampianina won, in an attempt to end a long-standing political crisis.

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Ravalomanana and his family went into into self-imposed exile in South Africa until 2014 when returned to the country and announced his intention to challenge the incumbent.

The HCC has so far received seventeen bids.

Candidates have until August 21 to submit their papers.

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