ANTANANARIVO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Four Chinese observers for the upcoming run-off presidential election coupled with legislative elections were received by the Malagasy transition minister of Foreign Affairs Ulrich Andriantiana on Wednesday.

"We are sent by the Chinese government to observe the runoff of presidential election and legislative election in Madagascar," the former Chinese Ambassador to Mauritius Gao Yu Chen, who led the delegation told the Malagasy minister.

Gao Yu Chen also thanked the Malagasy transitional government for facilitating their mission in Madagascar.

"China is a big friend of Madagascar. You were always present during the four year of crisis without failing this friendship and cooperation which has existed since a long date," the Malagasy minister of Foreign Affairs told the Chinese observers.

"The transitional government insures to its partners that the election will be done in the best condition of safety and serenity, " the minister added.

The Chinese observers, who arrived on Tuesday and remain in the island country until Sunday Dec. 22, will do their observation mission in polling stations in capital Antananarivo and stations near Moramanga, east of the capital Antananarivo.

The run off presidential election on Friday will be competed between Jean Louis Robinson, candidate supported by former president Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina, candidate supported by the president of transition Andry Rajoelina.

The legislative elections have 2052 candidates who will compete for the 151 seats at the national assembly, the lower house parliament of Madagascar.