MADAGASCAR- The second round of the Presidential election has started in Madagascar after the first round failed to produce an outright winner.

The two frontrunners are allies of the island's main political rivals - incumbent President Andry Rajoelina and the man he ousted, Marc Ravalomanana. Both were barred from standing.

Richard Jean-Louis Robinson, a former health minister in Mr Ravalomanana's government, won 21% of the vote in October.

His opponent, ruling party candidate Hery Martial Rakotoarimanana Rajaonarimampianina, obtained just over 15%.

Both men have made similar pledges to rebuild the island's economy

The ballots are the first to be held since a 2009 military-backed takeover.