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Madagascar vote on leader's power Madagascar vote on leader's power
(about 10 hours later)
People in Madagascar are voting in a referendum calling for constitutional changes which, if approved, would give increased powers to the president. Madagascans have voted in a referendum calling for constitutional changes which, if approved, would give increased powers to the president.
The proposed amendments include giving him authority to make laws directly if he declares a state of emergency.The proposed amendments include giving him authority to make laws directly if he declares a state of emergency.
President Marc Ravalomanana first came to power in 2002 after an eight-month political crisis after elections. President Marc Ravalomanana first came to power in 2002 after an eight-month political crisis following elections.
Correspondents say that a tropical storm battering the Indian Ocean island may prevent many people from voting. State radio reports a large turnout despite a tropical storm battering parts of the Indian Ocean island.
Other proposed changes would include ending autonomy for six provinces and adding English to the existing official languages of French and Malagasy.Other proposed changes would include ending autonomy for six provinces and adding English to the existing official languages of French and Malagasy.
Opposition parties say the changes transfer too much power to the president. Opposition parties say the changes would transfer too much power to the president and called for a boycott.
Mr Ravalomanana a wealthy businessman, won a second five-year term after taking 54.8% of the vote in elections in December 2006. Official referendum results are expected in three days.
In 2002, he used huge street demonstrations and military force to defeat former President Didier Ratsiraka, who had ruled for 23 years. Mr Ravalomanana, a wealthy businessman, won a second five-year term after taking 54.8% of the vote in elections in December 2006.
When he claimed victory in presidential elections in December 2001 a bitter struggle for power ensued.
He used huge street demonstrations and military force to defeat former President Didier Ratsiraka, who had ruled for 23 years.