Madagascar's leader says he won't cling to power
The man who has seized power in Madagascar says he won't run for president in promised elections if other former leaders also sit out.
The man who has seized power in Madagascar says he won’t run for president in promised elections if other former leaders also sit out.
Speaking at a news conference late on Wednesday, Andry Rajoelina said UN mediators had proposed that no one who has served as head of state should run in elections organised by a transitional government.
Rajoelina says other former leaders have not accepted that proposal, and he will only do so if they do.
Rajoelina says he does not want to cling to power.
Military-backed Rajoelina has led the Indian Ocean island since toppling President Marc Ravalomanana in March.
Rajoelina’s regime is not recognised by Madagascar’s neighbours or Western powers, and sporadic violence has continued there.—Sapa-AP
