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Madagascar leader to announce crunch election decision

By AFP
Madagascar Madagascar strongman Andry Rajoelina gives an interview to AFP in Maputo on August 18, 2012.  By Stephane de Sakutin (AFP/File)
TUE, 15 JAN 2013
Madagascar strongman Andry Rajoelina gives an interview to AFP in Maputo on August 18, 2012. By Stephane de Sakutin (AFP/File)

ANTANANARIVO (AFP) - Madagascar strongman Andry Rajoelina is expected to reveal later on Tuesday whether he intends to run in May's crunch presidential elections, a decision that could help end or prolong the country's political crisis.

Rajolena will "tell the Malagasy people about the decision he has taken with regard the presidential elections that will be held on May 8," a government statement said.

Rajolena has been under international pressure not to run in the polls, as a way of ending a crippling political crisis that has led to a range of sanctions that have crippled the economy.

The man Rajolena ousted in a military-backed coup in 2009, former president Marc Ravalomanana, has already heeded calls for him not to run in the elections.

Rajolena decision will be broadcast on television at 8:00 pm (1700 GMT).

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