Presidential elections were held in Madagascar on 30 January 1972.[1] Incumbent PresidentPhilibert Tsiranana of the Social Democratic Party was the only candidate, and won the approval of 99.7% of voters.[2] However, public unrest led to him handing over power to General Gabriel Ramanantsoa. Ramanantsoa put forward proposals for a five-year transition period during which the National Assembly would be suspended. The plans were approved in a referendum later in the year.[3]
