Campaigning ramps up ahead of Madagascar's presidential election Madagascar will hold the first round of a divisive presidential election on Friday October 25. The elections will aim the political crisis that has continued since March 2009 when President Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in a coup by his main opponent, Antananarivo mayor Andry Rajoelina. In August, Madagascar's electoral court removed the three controversial candidates - Rajoelina, Ravalomanana's wife Lalao, and Ratsiraka from the electoral roll, opening the way to key elections. Images of the campaign