ANTANANARIVO, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The first round of presidential elections in Madagascar will be held on Nov. 9, Madagascan Prime Minister Christian Ntsay told reporters Tuesday after a cabinet meeting in the capital of Antananarivo.
The second round, if it takes place, will be held on Dec. 20, he added.
While thanking the Malagasy population for maintaining calm and solidarity, he called on voters to go to the polls on the dates set out by the calendar.
He also called on all politicians to respect the principles of national solidarity to ensure that the elections are held peacefully. "We must have a president who will begin his term of office next January."
The dates for the presidential elections were proposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission to the government and the High Constitutional Court on Feb. 10.
Outgoing President Andry Rajoelina's term of office is due to end on Jan. 19, 2024.
The timetable for the legislative and municipal elections, which are due to take place just after the presidential elections, will be announced at a later date. ■