ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, June 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The campaign for Madagascar's Mouvance Ravalomanana continues apace. Speaking ahead of her election rally in the regional province of Moramanga on World Refugee Day today, Presidential Candidate Lalao Ravalomanana expressed the need to protect the millions of refugees worldwide.

"As a country, Madagascar supports the UN's World Refugee Day and the rights of people to a better life. In times of war, conflict and persecution those who are able to provide aid to internally displaced persons must give a helping hand. During my Presidency I pledge to do all that I can to engage with the world community and help refugees everywhere make a better life for themselves, especially those who come to Madagascar.

"It is time we played our part in the international politics that is our right and our responsibility. For four years we have been isolated. For four years Madagascar has been viewed as a naughty child by the African Union, the SADC. It is time for maturity, and it is time for us to be welcomed back into the international community. We can do this, if we work together.

"15 million people currently live in refugee camps around the world according to the latest UN figures.  The Mouvance supports the international efforts of the UN to address this and believes that working in unity is the only way to guarantee a real change. When the election comes we must ourselves unite as one nation for the greater good of Madagascar and the world.

"When we all cast our vote, later this year, the nation will be uniting under the banner of democracy to choose a new leader, in a free and fair election. Remember, all of us are equal in a democracy, be you a farmer, a nurse, an engineer, a politician….we all have one vote. I urge you to make your vote count, by electing a candidate who can unite our country and ensure this country starts to play its international role."

Notes to editor:

Madame Lalao Ravalomanana is the Presidential Candidate for the Mouvance Ravalomanana, a growing coalition of political parties dedicated to bringing a secure, peaceful and prosperous future to Madagascar. For high resolution images free to download, visit the Mouvance Ravalomanana Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/96646855@N04/

For more information email press@ravalomanana2013.com, Serge Reuter, 00261-34-07-200-77

SOURCE Ravalomanana 2013