Two army colonels in Madagascar have been arrested and charged with inciting a mutiny during the recent presidential election.
The charges were filed just days after Andry Rajoelina was re-elected president in an election boycotted by most opposition leaders.
The two colonels, who have been placed in custody, are accused of “threatening state security.”
Investigators say the colonels attempted to rally battalion commanders in Antananarivo to incite a mutiny.
Their aim was to “contest the election and destabilize power,” according to a gendarmerie official.
Ahead of the election, the two colonels offered bribes to several army leaders to incite soldiers to cause trouble.
The army leaders refused the bribes and reported the colonels to the chiefs of staff, who ordered an investigation.
Rajoelina was declared the winner of the election without a second round being required.
Opposition candidates have called for a boycott of the election, alleging that the results were rigged.
Madagascar’s elections have a history of controversy, with Rajoelina’s first presidency in 2009 coming after a disputed election.