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Trailing Madagascar Candidate Alleges Fraud


Madagascar's Presidential candidate Robinson Jean-Louis salutes his supporters during prayers and a post-elections rally in the capital Antananarivo, Oct. 26, 2013.
Madagascar's Presidential candidate Robinson Jean-Louis salutes his supporters during prayers and a post-elections rally in the capital Antananarivo, Oct. 26, 2013.
The apparent runner-up in Madagascar's presidential run-off is challenging the results, alleging fraud.

The campaign of Richard Jean-Louis Robinson says it has filed more than 100 complaints with a special electoral court.

Provisional results from the December 20 election show Robinson's rival, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, holding a lead of 53 to 46 percent, with nearly all the votes counted.

The election commission says it will announce final results by Friday.

Robinson is backed by former President Marc Ravalomanana, who was ousted in a 2009 coup, while Rajaonarimampianina is backed by the coup leader and current president, Andry Rajoelina.

The initial round of voting, held in October, marked the country's first presidential election since Rajoelina seized power with the help of renegade soldiers.

The coup resulted in international sanctions against Madagascar that have caused a loss of foreign aid and tourism revenue.

Both candidates have pledged to focus on rebuilding the country's economy.
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