Andry Rajoelina vs Martin Torrijos

Rajoelina was elected mayor of Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, in December 2007. This position gave him a platform to challenge President Marc Ravalomanana, leading to a political crisis.

Rajoelina led mass protests against President Ravalomanana in early 2009. The protests escalated into a coup d'

In March 2009, Rajoelina was installed as President of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar. His rule was not recognized by the African Union or SADC, leading to Madagascar's suspension from these organizations.

In August 2009, Rajoelina signed the Maputo Accords with other Malagasy political factions, agreeing to a power-sharing government. The accords collapsed within months due to disagreements over ministerial posts.

Rajoelina ran for president in the 2013 elections but was barred from standing by the electoral court due to his role in the 2009 coup. He supported a proxy candidate, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who won.

Rajoelina won the 2018 presidential election in a runoff against Marc Ravalomanana, receiving 55.7% of the vote. His victory marked a return to power through democratic means, ending a decade of political instability.

Rajoelina was re-elected in the first round of the 2023 presidential election with 58.9% of the vote. The election was boycotted by most opposition candidates, who alleged irregularities, leading to low voter turnout.

Martin Torrijos, son of former military leader Omar Torrijos, won the 2004 presidential election as the candidate of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD). His victory marked the return of the PRD to power after a decade out of office.

Torrijos's presidency was marked by economic growth, social reforms, and the initiation of the canal expansion. He also pursued anti-corruption measures and improved relations with the United States. He left office with relatively high approval ratings.

Torrijos proposed and secured approval for a major expansion of the Panama Canal through a national referendum in 2006. The project aimed to build a third set of locks to accommodate larger ships, significantly increasing the canal's capacity and economic impact.