LUSAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has congratulated Andry Rajoelina after he was declared winner of a presidential election held in the country.
Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who is also Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics Defense and Security, said in a statement released on Wednesday that the regional body congratulates Rajoelina on his election and the people of Madagascar for their peaceful conduct in the post-election period.
The regional body said it welcomes the release of the final results of the Dec.19, 2018 presidential run-off and commended the High Constitutional Court for the timely release of the results.
It further expressed continued support to Madagascar and to the country's electoral body, the National Electoral Commission, as it prepares for the legislative elections to be held later this year.
On Tuesday, Madagascar's Constitutional Court confirmed Rajoelina as the winner of the presidential election after his opponent lodged a complaint alleging that the result was riddled with fraud.
In the run-off vote, Rajoelina took 55 percent while his opponent Marc Ravalomanana won 44 percent, according to final results.