Two former presidents of Madagascar are neck and neck as votes are being counted in the presidential election that seeks to end years of political instability on the Indian Ocean island nation.
According to partial results announced by the National Electoral Commission on Thursday, Andry Rajoelina had 45% of votes counted and Marc Ravalomanana had 40%, with results from 291 of the more than 24,000 polling stations.
The electoral commission said that about 48% of the 9.9 million registered voters cast their ballots in the election.
The former presidents waged assertive campaigns among the field of 36 candidates in the presidential election.
A run-off election would be held if none of the candidates reach 50% in the first round.
