VOA常速英语:A New Day In Madagascar

A new president has taken office in Madagascar, the island nation’s first democratically elected leader since 2009 when former President Marc Ravalomanana was forced from office in a coup.

Hery Rajaonarimampianina was sworn in January 25 after Madagascar’s electoral court confirmed that he had prevailed in a December 20 run-off election. After reviewing the returns, the court said Rajaonarimampianina won 53.5 percent of the vote to 46.5 percent for Jean Louis Robinson, the nation’s former health minister.

The new president’s taking office and the stepping down of Malagasy leader Andry Rajoelina ends a political crisis that has damaged the nation’s economy and cost it much support in the international community. The United States welcomes the transition and commends the Malagasy electoral authorities for organizing a poll that reflects the will of the Malagasy people.

The election of a new president represents an opportunity for Madagascar to make progress on strengthening democratic rights, combatting corruption and rebuilding its economy. We look forward to working productively with President
Rajaonarimampianina as the nation implements the roadmap for restoring democracy developed in 2011 by the Southern African Development Community, as well as forming a new government whose members have the full confidence of the Malagasy people and the international community.