She said the new constitution gives parliament the power to name the prime minister but otherwise makes few substantive changes to the previous document.

The new charter also reduces the minimum age of presidential candidates from 40 to 35 years. Rajoelina, 36, has said he is not a candidate for the presidency.

The proposed constitution would also require presidential candidates to live in the country for at least six months prior to the election. This would prevent former president Marc Ravalomana from running for the office. He has been in exile since he was ousted in last year's coup.

The referendum was rejected by three main opposition parties led by Ravalomanana and two other former presidents. It has also been dismissed by the African Union, the Southern Africa Development Community and most Western governments.

Some voters expressed enthusiasm for the new constitution, but Rebenarivo said many did not go to the polls.

"The reaction is muted," noted Rebenarivo. "There is absolutely no enthusiasm because I think everyone knows that we are not out of the woods and it is anyone's guess what is going to happen in the weeks and months ahead."

Following last year's coup, Western governments suspended most non-humanitarian aid and Madagascar's economy has been hard hit by fall in foreign investment.

Mr. Rajoelina says he is prepared to move ahead without his country's traditional allies and reportedly has lined up several major deals, primarily with Chinese investors.