Malagasy constitutional referendum, 2010

A constitutional referendum was held in Madagascar on 17 November 2010, in which voters approved a proposal for the state's fourth Constitution. The Malagasy people were asked to answer "Yes" or "No" to the proposed new constitution, which was considered to help consolidate Andry Rajoelina's grip on power. Rajoelina heads the governing Highest Transitional Authority (HAT), an interim junta established following the military-backed coup d'état against then President Marc Ravalomanana in March 2009.

Rajoelina was inaugurated as transitional president on 17 March 2009 following a military-backed coup led by Colonel Charles Andrianasoavina against Marc Ravalomanana. He then scheduled the referendum over a new constitution.

The plebiscite was seen as a test of confidence in Rajoelina and a key element by him to legitimise his government.

The date was initially set for September 2009, with presidential elections in October 2010. This was later postponed to October 2009 before being cancelled. Then, a new referendum was set for 12 August 2010; on 29 June 2010, however, the referendum was indefinitely postponed yet again. Finally, on 14 August, a new date of 17 November was announced.

One change in the new constitution sought to keep the leader of the HAT (a position held by Rajoelina) as interim president until an election could take place. Analysts said this could allow Rajoelina to remain in power indefinitely, "because he's set no date for stepping down, nor spelled out conditions for the next elections."

The next presidential election was scheduled to be held in September 2011 (originally May 2011). Rajoelina has declared he has no intention of contesting the election. However, an amendment in the new constitution would lower the eligibility age to run for president from 40 to 35 years, allowing the 36-year-old Rajoelina to stand should he choose.

The proposed constitution also contains a clause that requires presidential candidates to have lived in Madagascar for at least six months prior to the elections, effectively barring Ravalomanana and other opposition leaders living in exile from running in the election.

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