Earlier General Noel Rakotonandrasana, declared that government institutions had been suspended and a military council was in charge.

"From now on all institutions are suspended and a military committee is going to run the country," said Rakotonandrasana, surrounded by around 20 soldiers at an army base near Antananarivo airport.

However, according to a RFI report Rajoelina said: "The government will assume its responsibilities and consequently take action."

"I have received death threats from (some) soldiers if I don't resign. I am not afraid. God is protecting me," added Rajoelina, who appeared calm as he spoke at a polling station near his home in the north of the capital.

Earlier Wednesday police fired teargas to disperse hundreds of anti-government protesters who blocked roads near the airport on the edge of the capital. The demonstrators had wanted to stop loyal troops from reaching the mutineers.

The coup attempt came as Madagascar voted on a new government charter, designed to break the country's political limbo.