Madagascar counts votes after presidential poll

Election officials began counting ballots in Madagascar after Wednesday's vote for a new president in which three former heads of state ran as the Indian Ocean island seeks to defuse a political crisis.

Attempts by the most recent president Hery Rajaonarimampianina to change the island's electoral laws backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo.

The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising an election in this impoverished nation with a history of coups and unrest.

Nearly 10 million voters were eligible to cast ballots for one of 36 candidates who also included two ex-prime ministers, several pastors and a rock star.

To win, a candidate must get 50 per cent of the votes cast or a second round will be held on December 19. Only about 44.5 per cent of voters turned out, according to the electoral commission.

Provisional results, expected by November 20, must be confirmed by the High Constitutional Court by November 28.

"I want a president who gets me out of poverty," said Eline Faraniaina, a retired 60-year-old, as she cast her ballot at a vocational college.

Two of the candidates, both former presidents, said Wednesday they were confident of victory.

"I am optimistic and positive, I do not think there will be a second round," dairy tycoon Marc Ravalomanana said at his political headquarters, where dozens of supporters gathered.

For his part, former nightclub promoter Andry Rajoelina spoke to hundreds of supporters gathered at the studio of his TV chain Viva, saying he was satisfied the early results "express the desire for change."