Malgache election commission comments ahead of presidential vote Madagascar votes Friday in long-delayed elections meant to pull the island nation out of a devastating political crisis that plunged millions into misery after a 2009 coup. The much-awaited polls will see 33 candidates vying for head of state, ranging from savvy politicians to unknown newcomers including a local rock singer, a gendarme and an environmentalist. Images and soundbites of the press conference by the electoral commission.