Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Madagascarisgovernedbyapresidential system,butthepowersofthepresidenthavevar-
ied under the different constitutions adopted over the last 40 years. At independence the
constitution was based closely on the French, with the president head of the government
as well as head of state. Under the 'socialist revolution' (1975-91) Ratsiraka had virtually
dictatorial powers, supported by large majorities for his party AREMA in the National
Assembly.Thestrengthofolderleft-wingpartiespreventedhimfromestablishingaformal
one-party state, but the constitution provided that only socialist parties could compete in
elections. After his overthrow in 1991 the pendulum swung to a parliamentary constitution
similar to the German or the British, with a largely ceremonial president and power vested
in a prime minister elected by the National Assembly. But this was effectively destroyed
by Zafy's refusal to accept the constitutional limits on his power and when Ratsiraka sub-
sequently returned to power he essentially reverted the constitution to its previous form.
Since colonial times the country has been divided for purposes of local government into
six provinces, each consisting of hundreds of communes or municipalities with governors
and prefects appointed by the central government.
An important factor in politics has been the coastal people's mistrust of the Merina who
conquered them in the 19th century. The numerical superiority of the coastal people has
ensured their dominance of parliament and government. When Ratsiraka was in trouble in
1991, and again in 2002, he stirred up coastal hostility to the Merina. However, the emer-
gence of Ravalomanana as the first Merina elected president indicates that the coastal/plat-
eau divide is now less significant. Rajoelina, who seized control in 2009, is also from Mer-
ina roots.
MADAGASCAR'S SPRING COUP
Richard Cowper
It was a very Malagasy coup, achieved with a traditional mixture of chaos, plots,
charm and relatively little bloodshed.
The latest unconstitutional power switch - from the elected government of Pres-
ident Marc Ravalomanana to the regime of Andry Rajoelina - took place in spring
2009 after months of speeches and looting had left much of the country bewildered
and most heavyweight members of the international community powerless to influen-
ce events.
Andry Rajoelina the coup-maker, a handsome and youthful advertising executive,
had started his working life as a disc jockey before going on to become mayor of
