Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Coup Claim in Madagascar VOA News 17 November 2010 A senior military officer in Madagascar says he and other army officials have taken control of the island nation. Colonel Charles Andrianasoavina made the statement to reporters Wednesday, as voters cast ballots on a new constitution. The colonel was one of the main backers of President Andry Rajoelina when Mr. Rajoelina seized power in a military-backed coup last year. Voting continued Wednesday after the colonel's announcement. There was no immediate response from the government. The Rajoelina government has said the new constitution will help stabilize the country following last year's ouster of President Marc Ravalomanana. Critics say the charter will not resolve the country's political crisis nor win international legitimacy for Mr. Rajoelina. Madagascar's three main opposition movements have called for a boycott of the vote.  The new constitution does not set a limit on the duration of Mr. Rajoelina's transitional government. It also would lower the minimum age for a presidential candidate to 35, clearing the way for Mr. Rajoelina, who is 36, to run for office.  His government has slated a presidential election for next May. Madagascar has been in turmoil since the March 2009 coup that put Mr. Rajoelina in power.  The African Union has refused to recognize Mr. Rajoelina as president, and foreign donors have suspended most non-essential aid. International efforts to broker a power-sharing deal have failed. Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters. .