Madagascar to Vote in Controversial Constitutional Referendum

16 November 2010

Transitional government leader Andry Rajoelina, foreground left, gestures, at a rally, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Mar 2009 (file photo)

In the days leading up to Wednesday's Madagascar referendum, supporters of the proposed constitution - led by the president of the transitional government, Andry Rajoelina - campaigned across the island nation.

They were promoting the new charter as a step toward stability, following a political crisis marked by the military-backed coup that ousted Mr. Ravalomanana nearly two years ago.

Constitutional changes

The new constitution, if passed, would consolidate Mr. Rajoelina's hold on power and lead to elections next year.

It would lower the minimum age for a presidential candidate from 40 to 35 years old. Mr. Rajoelina is 36, but has said he would not be a candidate for the presidency.

The new constitution also would require presidential candidates to live in the country for at least six months prior to the elections. This would block Mr. Ravalomanana, who has been in exile since the coup.

The document does not set a time limit on the transitional government, which would allow Mr. Rajoelina to remain in power as long as the standoff continued.

Opposition groups

The three main opposition groups, led by Mr. Ravalomanana and two other former presidents, reject the vote and have called for a boycott.