Madagascar's constitution requires a sitting head of state who wants to contest a presidential election to first resign.
The president of the senate is supposed to assume presidential powers when the head of state resigns but the court said the senate head, Herimanana Razafimahefa, had declined to take over.
"For personal reasons, he will not be able to fully exercise the responsibilities that the office of Head of State requires," the court said referring to Razafimahefa.
Instead, the court said, presidential power would now be exercised by the government collectively with the prime minister as the head.
Madagascar is hoping for its third peaceful election since the upheaval of 2009, when Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomanana in a coup, prompting an exodus of foreign investors from the Indian Ocean island.
Persons:
Andry Rajoelina, Rajoelina, Herimanana Razafimahefa, Marc Ravalomanana, Hery, Lova Rabary, Elias Biryabarema, Sharon Singleton
Organizations:
Constitutional, State
Locations:
ANTANANARIVO, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, Madagascar