The second round of Madagascar's presidential election was held on December 20, 2013. Although the polling was peaceful, the turnout of just over 50% was well below that of the first round of voting on October 25th. The still-emerging results are proving controversial, and many are concerned that the official announcement of the outcome, scheduled for early January 2014, may trigger renewed conflict and violence that could impede the country’s return to democracy. 

Rev. Lala Rasendrahasina, President of the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), a global partner of the PC(USA), has asked the Presbyterians in the USA to continue to pray for the Malagasy people and for the process of national reconciliation being facilitated by the Malagasy Council of Christian Churches.  He writes:
 
"Please pray for us and particularly for the Church as it will resume its reconciliation process soon.
Pray that there would be no violence or clashes between the two parties that support the two candidates.
Pray that peace, justice, and righteousness will overcome any malicious actions.
Pray that the Lord would use his mighty power to end the crisis in Madagascar that has lasted for nearly 5 years now.
Many thanks for your prayers and thoughts.
Wishing you a very blessed Christmas season."

Lala Rasendrahasina (Rev)
President
Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar