20100814
reuters

NTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Madgascar's President Andry Rajoelina signed a deal late on Friday with dozens of minor parties aimed at ending a protracted political crisis, but the pact was rejected by the country's main opposition leaders.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rajoelina said it marked a step towards a new constitution for the country, adding: "Our signatures take us in that direction."

The agreement between the 36-year-old former disc jockey and 99 parties confirmed him as president, giving him the power to appoint ministers on the recommendation of party leaders and members of the interim two-chamber parliament.

The deal also changed election dates that were initially agreed earlier this week.

A referendum on a new constitution will be held as planned on November 17 this year. A legislative election will take place on March 16 next year and a presidential ballot on May 4.

"No one can any longer criticise the path we have taken as unilateralist. We have already made budget allowances to finance the polls," Rajoelina told reporters.

The legislative elections, if held on the agreed date, would take place exactly two years after dissident troops backing Rajoelina stormed one of Antananarivo's two presidential palaces, forcing incumbent President Marc Ravalomanana's departure into exile.

Nineteen months of political turmoil has stunted economic growth on an island know for its deposits of oil, coal, uranium, chrome, nickel and cobalt. The economy is expected to expand by a meagre 0.8 percent this year after years of steady growth.

Rajoelina's takeover was branded a coup by foreign powers and regional neighbours and the African Union suspended the membership of Madagascar, the world's fourth largest island.