ANTANANARIVO — Madagascar President Michael Randrianirina ordered that anyone applying to become a minister in the country's new government will be subjected to lie detector tests to root out those who are corrupt. Madagascar acquired a polygraph machine and a specialist to operate it to vet new government ministers.

"We will know who is corrupt and who can help us," Randrianirina said. "We are not looking for someone who is 100% clean, but someone who is more than 60% clean."

After taking the polygraph test, candidates who fail will not proceed to an interview. Candidates who pass the polygraph test will have an interview with Randrianirina and the prime minister.

The lie detector requirement comes after Randrianirina fired his entire Cabinet and dissolved the government last week. He appointed a new prime minister on Sunday.

Randrianirina, a colonel in an elite army unit, took power in a coup in October when he ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The coup followed a weekslong uprising last year by mainly young Madagascans motivated by frustration with the lack of government services and opportunities.

Madagascar has a population of around 32 million. The nation is beset by poverty. Randrianirina has promised to hold new elections within two years of taking power.