Government & Political System of Madagascar: A Complete Overview

Madagascar operates as a semi-presidential republic under its 2010 Constitution (amended in 2018). Power is shared between a directly elected president and a prime minister accountable to parliament, within a multi-party democratic framework.

Executive Branch

• President – Head of state; elected by universal suffrage for a 5-year term (max two terms). Appoints the Prime Minister and cabinet. Commands armed forces. The 2018 amendment strengthened presidential powers, including authority to dissolve the National Assembly.
• Prime Minister – Head of government; leads the Council of Ministers and implements policy.
• Council of Ministers – Cabinet appointed by the President on the PM's recommendation.

Legislature: Bicameral Parliament

Judiciary

Independent three-tier system:

• Supreme Court – Highest court (cassation)
• Courts of Appeal – Intermediate appellate level
• Courts of First Instance – Trial courts

Plus a Constitutional Court (High Constitutional Court) ruling on constitutionality, electoral disputes, and inter-institutional conflicts.

Political Parties

Multi-party system with numerous parties. Prominent ones include:

• TIM (Tiako I Madagasikara) – "I Love Madagascar"; founded by former President Marc Ravalomanana
• HVM (Hery Vaovao ho an'i Madagasikara) – "New Forces for Madagascar"; associated with President Andry Rajoelina
• MMM (Malagasy Miara-Miainga) – "Malagasy United"

Local Government

22 regions → districts → communes (municipalities). Each region has an elected council and executive; communes have elected mayors and municipal councils.

Independent Institutions

• CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) – Organizes elections
• Ombudsman's Office – Investigates complaints against public officials

Challenges

Despite constitutional separation of powers, Madagascar has experienced recurrent political crises (2002, 2009, 2018), disputed elections, and governance challenges. International observers continue to monitor democratic consolidation.