afrol News, 24 October - With the election of Ms Ellen John-Sirleaf of Liberia as the first woman president in African history, women of the continent are pushing hard in politics. Filled with the concepts of gender equality, African women want to deviate from mere political objects who merely clap and yap during male-dominated elections. Madagascar is following suit.

Madagascar is no exception, where a woman now lines up for the country's hotly contested 3 December male-dominated presidential race. Elia Ravelomanantsoa is the only woman candidate in a 14-candidate race. She is a determined woman aged 46 who is a well-known figure in the field of human rights. She heads many organisations, including women contractors of Madagascar. She also heads a a communication group, SYNERGY-FCB, which is an event-driven and recognised agency.

Ms Ravelomanantsoa is not new in political circles, as she enjoys a great wealth of political and business experience.

Instead of a party, Ms Ravelomanantsoa said she prefers to vie under the banner of a movement that aims to shape better living conditions for the people of the large Indian Ocean island. She believes that a change of government will solve the problems of Madagascar and therefore called on all forces, associations and groups to support her agenda.

Of course, her call has been answered. A network of the reformed Christian Church of more than four thousands churches decided to throw its weight behind Elia. Another heavyweight group called G5, which comprises natives of the five provinces of Madagascar's six provinces also decided to support Elia to realise her presidential ambitions.

Ms Ravelomanantsoa's candidature has become a source of attraction, with over eighty articles being published on her within a month.

Her supporters believe their candidate is a few months away from recording her name in history book for being the second woman president of Africa. But President Marc Ravalomanana who is contesting to run for the second term in office still is widely tipped to sweep the polls.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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