Madagascar Recount Close to Completion

VOA News 26.04.2002

Madagascar's High Constitutional Court says a recount of the country's disputed presidential election should be complete in a few days.

The court began the recount Monday, after an agreement brokered last week by African leaders in Senegal. Incumbent President Didier Ratsiraka and popular mayor Marc Ravalomanana both claim the presidency, after a close election in December.

According to the agreement, if neither party emerges a clear victor after the recount, new vote will be held within six months. The deal also provides for a transitional government until new elections are held.

Madagascar has been in turmoil since since Mr. Ravalomanana, mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, declared himself president in February (22). He alleged the election had been rigged and refused a court-ordered run-off vote, insisting he was the winner.

At least 32 people have been killed in violence related to the dispute.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.