Madagascar will face tensions ahead of municipal poll

Significance

Municipal polls are scheduled for December 11, with the opposition contesting new electoral rules decreed by the government, which they say disproportionately benefit ruling party candidates.

Impacts

• Lower vanilla export prices will exacerbate poverty in the coming year.
• Opposition control of Antananarivo could lead to major confrontations with Rajoelina.
• Repeated power cuts could place downward pressure on economic growth.