Rajaonarimampianina likely president of Madagascar

The Associated Press

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — With all votes tallied, provisional results show that the candidate supported by Madagascar's former strongman will likely be the next president.

Results posted on the electoral commission's website Friday show Hery Rajaonarimampianina with 53.5 percent of the vote in the run-off election, with Robinson Jean Louis receiving 46.5 percent.

The commission emphasized the results still need to be finalized. The victor is only likely to be announced after a court rules on alleged voting irregularities.

Rajaonarimampianina is the island's outgoing finance minister and is backed by outgoing leader Andry Rajoelina. Robinson is a former minister of public health and of sports and is supported by former leader Marc Ravalomanana who was ousted by Rajoelina in a 2009 coup.

Many hope the election will end international sanctions imposed after the takeover.