Opposition Leader Dies

July 2008 | Ratings Update

One of the main opposition leaders in Madagascar, Herizo Razafimahaleo, reportedly died in late July, following renal failure and several heart attacks. Razafimahaleo served as Foreign Minister in the past, and ran for President three times. In his last attempt, at the December 2006 election, some observers considered him the main challenger to incumbent President Marc Ravalomanana; according to official results, he took 9.03% of the vote and came in fourth place. As such, the death of Razafimahaleo is likely to strengthen Ravalomanana's hold on power.

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