ANTANANARIVO — The wife of Madagascar’s ousted President Marc Ravalomanana has put herself forward to run in July’s presidential election, a move that could be aimed at preparing a comeback by the fallen leader.



The impoverished island nation has been in crisis since Marc Rajoelina, now president, led an uprising that ousted Ravalomanana from office in 2009, triggering turmoil that scared off investors and devastated the vital tourism industry.



Rajoelina, a former disc jockey, said in January he would not run in the vote scheduled for July 24, after he came under pressure from regional powers which had pressed him to stand aside to prevent fresh unrest in this year’s vote.



Ravalomanana, a wealthy businessman now in exile in South Africa, has also agreed not to run again. He was sentenced in absentia to life in prison after he was accused of ordering elite troops to kill Rajoelina’s supporters.



Speaking outside the election court that is accepting nominations, the former president’s wife, Lalao Ravalomanana Rakotonirainy, told reporters: “We give thanks to God. The application is indeed filed.”



She was surrounded by a few hundred cheering supporters outside the court, where 15 other candidates have already submitted their names.



The authorities are due to draw up an official list of candidates by May 3. — Reuters