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Voters brave heavy rain storms
04/04/2007 13:11 - (SA)
Antananarivo - Voters braved heavy rains in a tropical storm on Wednesday to have their say on revisions to Madagascar's constitution, criticised by the opposition for giving more power to the president.
Only a few voters turned out when polling stations opened at 07:00 (04:00 GMT).
"Only 15 people came in the first hour," said Michel Rasolofo, head of a polling station in the capital.
"But with this rain, it's no surprise. I think voters will come later."
Proposed revisions to the text include eliminating the autonomy of six provinces and making English an official language of the former French colony, alongside French and Malagasy.
The opposition claims the main aim of the text is to give more powers to the president.
The new constitution contains a clause permitting the head of state to legislate by decree in emergency situations.
70% 'live in abject poverty'
About seven million voters, out of a population of about 18 million, were voting in 17 500 polling stations.
Voting was due to close at 18:00 (15:00 GMT) and results were expected within three days.
Madagascar's constitution dates back to its independence from France in 1960 and was last revised in 1998.
Nearly 70% of Madagascar's population live in abject poverty, with the country ranked among the world's 30 most impoverished nations in terms of human development.
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