The motion was backed by 121 of the 125 lawmakers who voted, easily clearing the two-thirds majority required.

The parliament’s speaker, Jean Max Rakotomamonjy, said after the votes were counted: “It is officially declared that everyone accepts that the request of dismissal can be submitted to the constitutional court.”

When Rajaonarimanpianina came to power in elections in December 2013 – the first democratic vote since 2006 – it was hoped Madagascar was finally emerging from a deep political and economic crisis.

The country had been plunged into chaos in 2009 when Rajaonarimanpianina’s predecessor Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in a coup.

But Rajaonarimanpianina’s critics say he has failed to deliver on his promises and one of his key political allies has deserted him.