Madagascar's president faces impeachment attempt

Antananarivo: Political instability is looming in Madagascar, where lawmakers voted this week to impeach the country's president for what they say are his repeated violations of the constitution.

The parliamentarians say they secured a two-thirds majority required for an impeachment motion, which now goes to the constitutional court for review. However, President Hery Rajaonarimampianina says they fell short of the majority and that the lawmakers are bitter about not being granted certain perks such as new vehicles.

Relations between parliament and the president have been strained for months.

Madagascar endured political turmoil and economic deterioration after a 2009 coup. Rajaonarimampianina took office after elections at the end of 2013.