Johannesburg - The presidential and legislative elections which took place in Madagascar last week were free and fair, the department of international relations said on Tuesday.
Departmental spokesman Clayson Monyela commended the Malagasy people for the peaceful way in which they conducted themselves in the second round of elections, on December 20.
“This clearly demonstrated their resolve to craft their own destiny in the quest to find a lasting solution to the many challenges the country has faced over the past four years,” he said.
“South Africa urges (them) to accept the outcome of the election results and move ahead to rebuild that beautiful country.”
The first elections, which took place on October 25, failed to produce a winner.
On Saturday, news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that both Madagascar's presidential candidates had claimed victory in the run-off polls. Each accused the other of rigging the results.
Former health minister Robinson Jean Louis told AFP he expected to win 56 percent, while his opponent Hery Rajaonarimampianina claimed to have taken between 60 and 65 percent.
European Union observers on Sunday deemed the elections “free, credible and democratic,” AFP reported.
The winner is yet to be announced.
Sapa