Antananarivo: Madagascan President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on Wednesday vowed to challenge an overwhelming parliamentary vote to impeach him, alleging corruption in the voting process.
Lawmakers voted late Tuesday to dismiss him for alleged constitutional violations and incompetence in a move that threatened to revive political instability in the Indian Ocean island.
Madagascar`s constitutional court will now decide whether the impeachment process against Rajaonarimampianina can go ahead.
"We have all seen the recent events concerning the nation`s life, but I want to tell the people that I`m still here, our leaders are still working for you," Rajaonarimampianina said in a speech on national television.
"Many are asking questions about what happened to the national assembly over the impeachment.
"I am concerned about due process and respect for transparency. There is a suspicion of corruption."
Rajaonarimampianina said that although 125 lawmakers had apparently voted, only 80 were present in parliament.
The motion was backed by 121 of the votes -- easily clearing the two-thirds majority required for the dismissal.
The president added ruefully that he had always refused to handed out unwarranted gifts just as 4x4 vehicles to lawmakers.
Rajaonarimampianina came to power in 2013 elections, vowing to end years of turmoil after his predecessor Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in a coup in 2009.
But opposition to his rule has grown in recent months.
His critics say he has failed to deliver on his economic programme and accuse him of stalling on the establishment of a high court and on promised reforms.
