Opposition leader accepted as Madagascar´s President

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-19-2009 10:36

Madagascar's constitutional high court has accepted opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as President of the country. But the African Union is still considering whether the move constitutes a coup.

Madagascan opposition leader Andry Rajoelina greets the crowd at a rally in Antananarivo. (AFP/Alexander Joe)

Supporters of Rajo-e-lina were singing and dancing after the constitutional court gave its ruling.

In a radio address on Wednesday, the court declared that Rajoelina "is serving as president of the republic".

At the age of 34, Rajoelina is now the youngest president in Africa, and under Madagascar's constitution, six years too young.

The court gave no reasons, saying only that former president, Marc Ravalomanana (RAVA-LO-MANAN) had vacated his presidential post. The military was left to make a decision on how it would be filled.

For months, Rajoelina has been leading anti-government rallies and pressing Ravalomanana to step down.

He has accused Ravalomanana of misspending public funds and undermining democracy.

Some of Rajoelina's protests led to deadly clashes.

Last month Ravalomanana lost the support of a faction of the military after at least 25 civilian deaths. A mutiny then spread and gained popular support.

After weeks of insisting he would never resign, Ravalomanana announced on Tuesday afternoon that he was ceding control to the military.

Rajoelina has promised new presidential elections within two years.

The African Union is examining whether what has taken place is a coup. This will lead to Madagascar's automatic suspension from the continent-wide body.

A meeting on the issue was set for Thursday.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei