In Madagascar, Bombings Precede a Presidential Election

A series of bombings in the Malagasy capital, though low-level and largely without casualties or damage, appears to be rooted in demands for an end to foreign involvement in Madagascar's presidential election. The country is set to hold its election — which already has been delayed twice — on Oct. 25. After France and the Southern African Development Community voiced opposition to the candidacies of incumbent Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina and former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Didier Ratsiraka, Madagascar's election authorities rejected the candidacies, likely prompting the current bombing campaign.