Watch: Opposition Holds Protests in Madagascar

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Madagascar will hold presidential elections on November 9. Last month, the latest President Andry Rajoelina, 49, confirmed his candidacy and stepped down as demanded by the constitution in cases of running for re-election.
On Monday, the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, witnessed protests led by the country's opposition. Supporters were called to march on the central May 13 square. Anti-riot security forces arrived to control the situation.
The protests followed a complicated political situation, which emerged in Madagascar ahead of presidential elections.
President Andry Rajoelina resigned last month in accordance with the constitution in order to run for re-election.
Presidential powers were to be tranferred to Herimanana Razafimahefa, head of the country's Senate, the upper chamber of the country's parliament. However, according to the country's top court, he declined for "personal reasons", leaving the task to a "collegial government" led by Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, an ally of Rajoelina. The court approved the decision.
Eleven of the 13 presidential candidates have described it as an "institutional coup" to favor the incumbent, Rajoelina.
For his part, Madagascar's outgoing president and candidate for re-election Rajoelina, denounced the actions of the 11 opposition candidates, whom he accused of creating a new political crisis "from scratch".
In September, the Constitutional Court court revealed the list of 13 approved candidates for the upcoming polls, which includes the latest president and two former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina.
Have a look at Sputnik Africa's gallery to see the current situation in Madagascar.
© AFP 2023 Rijasolo

Anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse opposition supporters in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023. Madagascar's outgoing president and candidate for re-election on November 9, 2023, Andry Rajoelina, denounced on October 1, 2023 the actions of 11 opposition candidates, whom he accused of "creating from scratch" a new political crisis.

Anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse opposition supporters in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023. Madagascar's outgoing president and candidate for re-election on November 9, 2023, Andry Rajoelina, denounced on October 1, 2023 the actions of 11 opposition candidates, whom he accused of "creating from scratch" a new political crisis.  - Sputnik Africa
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Anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse opposition supporters in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023. Madagascar's outgoing president and candidate for re-election on November 9, 2023, Andry Rajoelina, denounced on October 1, 2023 the actions of 11 opposition candidates, whom he accused of "creating from scratch" a new political crisis.

© AFP 2023 Rijasolo

A bodyguard of former President of Madagascar and presidential candidate Marc Ravalomanana is arrested by the Gendarmerie in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

A bodyguard of former President of Madagascar and presidential candidate Marc Ravalomanana is arrested by the Gendarmerie in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023. - Sputnik Africa
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A bodyguard of former President of Madagascar and presidential candidate Marc Ravalomanana is arrested by the Gendarmerie in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

© AFP 2023 Rijasolo

Members of the anti-riot police gather in downton Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

Members of the anti-riot police gather in downton Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.  - Sputnik Africa
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Members of the anti-riot police gather in downton Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

© AFP 2023 Rijasolo

Opposition supporters run to take cover as anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse them in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

Opposition supporters run to take cover as anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse them in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023. - Sputnik Africa
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Opposition supporters run to take cover as anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse them in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

© AFP 2023 Rijasolo

Members of the anti-riot police gather amid tensions in downtown Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

Members of the anti-riot police gather amid tensions in downtown Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.  - Sputnik Africa
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Members of the anti-riot police gather amid tensions in downtown Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

© AFP 2023 RIJASOLO

Anti-riot police officers fire teargas to disperse opposition supporters in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

Anti-riot police officers fire teargas to disperse opposition supporters in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023. - Sputnik Africa
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Anti-riot police officers fire teargas to disperse opposition supporters in Antananarivo on October 2, 2023.

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