ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, September 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Madame Ravalomanana backs new contender, Dr Jean Louis Robinson

Former presidential candidate Mme Lalao Ravalomanana has pledged the support of her party, The Mouvance, to visionary new candidate Dr Jean Louis Robinson of the AVANA Party, in Madagascar's upcoming presidential elections.  

Mme was forced to withdraw from the elections in August, along with several other candidates, after the country's new Special Electoral Court (CES) ruled she would not be allowed to run on a technicality.

As The Mouvance recognises the importance of reintroducing democratic elections to Madagascar, it has decided to redirect its support to Dr Robinson due to a respect for his aims and strong political background.

Dr Robinson has more than 20 years' experience in national and international politics, and has also worked as a medical doctor in some of Madagascar's most deprived communities. He has made improving healthcare and the country's standing on the international stage two of the pillars of his election campaign.

Speaking from Antananarivo today, Mme Ravalomanana said: "The decision of the CES to exclude some viable candidates is disappointing, but we must now look forward and work together to ensure the next president of Madagascar is an individual who has the strength and values to restore our country's position on the world stage. I believe Dr Jean Louis Robinson is the person who will achieve this and The Mouvance and I pledge our full support to him in these elections."

Dr Robinson's political views are closely aligned to those of Mme Ravalomanana and The Mouvance. When elected, Dr Robinson will prioritise bringing unity back to a country that has become increasingly divided under the recent regime and regaining the trust and confidence of the international community. He believes this is key to creating political stability and economic prosperity in Madagascar.

Dr Robinson added: "This year's elections are critical for Madagascar and I am honoured to stand for the presidency with the support of The Mouvance. We must bring democracy back to our country through free and fair elections. I am confident that the people will choose the right person to reconcile the problems of the past and lead Madagascar to a new future. We must open a new chapter and make Madagascar a place the Malagasy people are proud to call home once more. It is time to vote for change."

Notes to editor:

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 press enquiries, please e-mail press@ravalomanana2013.com or call +261-34-07-200-77.

SOURCE Mouvance Ravalomanana