Madagascar Presidential Vote Loser in Surprise Capitulation

  • Constitutional Court declared rival winner on Tuesday
  • Ravalomanana’s supporters clashed with police before ruling

Marc Ravalomanana

Photographer: Rijasolo/AFP via Getty Images

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Madagascar’s presidential election loser Marc Ravalomanana accepted a Constitutional Court ruling that proclaimed rival Andry Rajoelina winner of the ballot, a surprise turnaround after days of protests by his supporters.

“We have to prove that we are united and seek development of the country,” Ravalomanana said in a televized speech on Wednesday night. “We should stop all things that can divide us, and stop jailing political opponents.”