The Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Madagascar that the first round of presidential elections will take place on Friday, October 25, 2013.  As election results will not be finalized immediately, the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo urges continued caution in the weeks following the elections.  This Travel Alert will expire after certification of the first round, anticipated to take place by November 25.

Currently, elections are proceeding on the basis of an agreement brokered by the South African Development Community (SADC), with support from the international community.  The agreement aims to place Madagascar on a path to a democratically elected presidency.  Despite the agreement, the possibility of spontaneous protests during this election cycle remains a serious concern.

U.S. citizens in Madagascar are strongly urged to avoid voter polling places, demonstrations, political rallies, or large crowds of any kind during the election period.  Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn violent with little or no warning. 

The U.S. Embassy is closely monitoring election activity throughout Madagascar, and will provide updates as the situation warrants on the Embassy website and via Facebook and Twitter.  U.S. citizens should regularly monitor these sites and local media outlets for updates.  U.S. citizens should also be aware of their surroundings and exercise good judgment in the coming weeks.  General information on preparing for emergencies is available on U.S. Embassy Antananarivo's website.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  By enrolling, U.S. citizens gain access to vital security information and enable the U.S. Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet website at travel.state.gov, where the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  An archive of messages for U.S. citizens in Madagascar is available on the Embassy website.  Download our free Smart Traveler app, available through iTunes and the Google Play Store, for travel information at your fingertips.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar is located at: Lot 27 A Point Liberty Andranoro-Antehiroka, Antananarivo, Madagascar  Telephone:  [261] (20) 23-480-00 (available 24 hours) Fax:  [261] (20) 23-480-35 Website:  http://www.antananarivo.usembassy.gov/  U.S. citizens in need of urgent assistance should call the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy:  034-49-328-54