Madagascar will not be allowed to vote for a new African Union (AU) Commission's chairperson on Monday because of its suspension from the continental body two years ago.
The Indian Ocean Island was thrown out of the AU after its exiled former leader Marc Ravalomana was toppled by Andry Rajoelina.
Ban Kiokie, legal counsel of the AU Commission told journalists the election in Addis Ababa where the current chairperson Jean Ping will battle it out with South African Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will be by secret ballot.
Unlike in the past where countries that defaulted in AU subscriptions were not allowed to take part in the polls, this year only Madagascar will be barred.
The AU's executive council will also elect four commissioners, to replace those who have finished their terms and one for an empty post following the death of one of the commissioners.
