Campaigning ramps up ahead of Madagascar's presidential election Madagascar is preparing to hold the first round of a divisive presidential election on Friday aimed with calming the political crisis that has rumbled on since March 2009. In August, Madagascar's electoral court removed three controversial candidates from the electoral role- Rajoelina, Ravalomanana's wife Lalao and Ratsiraka with the hope that this will pave the way for a fair, transparent vote. Images and Soundbites. TO COMPLETE VID563101_EN.