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In Pictures: Madagascar presidential poll

First election since 2009 military-backed coup has many hopeful of ending political and economic crisis.

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The people of Madagascar began voting on Friday in a presidential election they hope will end a five-year crisis.
Published On 25 Oct 2013
They hope it will mend an economy crippled since President Andry Rajoelina seized power in 2009.
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President Andry Rajoelina seized power in a 2009 military-backed coup.
The much anticipated election, which has been years in the making, will see 33 candidates vying for head of state.
There is no clear favourite among the 33 candidates.
Presidential hopefuls have made lofty promises of free primary education, better management of mineral resources and a crackdown on corruption.
Many Malagasy are, however, less optimistic and fear the result will be disputed.
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It is the first vote on the island off Africa since the upheaval four years ago that drew sanctions against Madagascar.