Madagascar Leader Seeks New Term With Vote Credibility in Doubt.

Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina is seeking a third term in the upcoming election, despite doubts about its credibility. The campaign has been marred by clashes between the police and opposition candidates, leading 10 of them to call for a boycott. Rajoelina's main rivals include ex-presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina, as well as former judo champion Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko. If no candidate secures a majority in the first round, a runoff will be held on December 20. However, an independent observer group has stated that the conditions for a free and fair election have not been met, and there has been an increase in human rights violations. Madagascar has a history of political instability, and previous governments have struggled to maintain power. [Extracted from the article]