Results posted on the electoral commission's website today show Hery Rajaonarimampianina with 53.5 per cent of the vote in the run-off election, with Robinson Jean Louis receiving 46.5 per cent.
The commission emphasised the results still need to be finalised. The victor is only likely to be announced after a court rules on alleged voting irregularities.
Rajaonarimampianina is the island's outgoing finance minister and is backed by outgoing leader Andry Rajoelina. Robinson is a former minister of public health and of sports and is supported by former leader Marc Ravalomanana who was ousted by Rajoelina in a 2009 coup.