Andry Rajoelina vs Souvanna Phouma

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.

Souvanna Phouma became Prime Minister of Laos for the first time, leading a neutralist government. He sought to maintain Laos's neutrality in the Cold War, balancing between communist Pathet Lao and right-wing factions.

Souvanna Phouma signed the Geneva Accords, which established Laos as a neutral state and created a coalition government. The agreement was intended to end the Laotian Civil War but ultimately failed to prevent further conflict.

Souvanna Phouma helped form a new coalition government with the Pathet Lao after the Vientiane Agreement. This government aimed to end the civil war but was short-lived as the Pathet Lao seized full power in 1975.

Souvanna Phouma resigned as Prime Minister after the Pathet Lao took control of Laos, ending the monarchy. He remained in Laos as an advisor to the new communist government until his death.