Nigeria, Oct. 15 -- The army in Madagascar has seized control of the government following a parliamentary vote to remove the President, Andry Rajoelina, who has also fled the country.

Al Jazeera reports that a military colonel, Michael Randrianirina, announced the takeover on Tuesday, standing in front of the ceremonial presidential palace in the country's capital, Antananarivo.

"We have taken the power," Mr Randrianirina was quoted to have said.

The colonel also disclosed that the military was dissolving all institutions, except the lower house of parliament, and that it would form a council composed of officers from the army and the gendarmerie.

The constitution and the powers of the High Constitutional Court have been suspended.

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