Andry Rajoelina vs Zabihullah Mujahid

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.

Zabihullah Mujahid was appointed Deputy Minister of Information and Culture in the Taliban government. He became the primary public face of the regime, giving press conferences and issuing statements on policy.

Mujahid held his first press conference as the Taliban's official spokesman after the capture of Kabul. He sought to project a moderate image, promising amnesty for former officials and women's rights within Islamic law.