The upcoming Madagascar elections  is gaining momentum  with the removal of three top contenders and high profile names  from the presidential  race by an electoral court. This latest intriguing development follows an earlier  decision by  the electoral court to iron out any anomalies with  the 41 presidential contenders names.

Madagascar has been embroiled in a political crisis stalling major government operations for the last four years. The political instability began when  Marc Ravalomanana was ousted out of power. Marc  Ravalomanana’s wife; Lalao is among the  three contenders whose names have been removed from the list.

Former president, Didier Ratsiraka and strongman  Andry Rajoelina complete the list of whose   names have been barred from contesting. The court said in statement that the three names which have attracted international condemnation and criticism  did not meet electoral rules.

Despite sanctions threats, the three had refused to let go their Madagascar presidential ambitions and this has caused a delay in the poll preparations.

Madagascar is a member of the South African Development Community (SADC) which is set to meet in Malawi  with Madagascar  situation to top  the agenda. The removal of the three controversial names is largely seen as a move to speedy elections to get Madagascar back on track to economic recovery.

The African Union and French embassy have both welcomed the move and termed it good for the electoral process. Rajoelina who seized power in 2009 broke electoral rules by submitting his candidacy papers after the set deadline by the Madagascar electoral body. On the other hand, Lalao Ravalomanana had been living outside Madagascar 6 months before nominations and this is by law, a breach of electoral rules. Another contestant; Ratsiraka had been out in exile for 11 years and submitted candidacy papers  two days after return.