Madagascar's prime minister and government have resigned, paving the way for the country to follow a planned transition to a new government and future elections.

General Camille Vital stepped down as prime minister on Monday as part of the plan brokered last month by the Southern African Development Community.

The agreement calls for a new prime minister to be appointed by November 1 and a new government by November 17. The new parliament is to ratify the plan by the end of November, followed by the appointment of a new election commission.

Madagascar's military-backed President Andry Rajoelina has ruled the country since a 2009 coup that ousted former president Marc Ravalomanana.

The former leader has been living in South Africa, but the plan signed month allows him to return to Madagascar.