Madagascar military abolishes constitution, forms transitional council

The military, which seized power in Madagascar on October 14, has announced the creation of a collegial governing body led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, named the Presidential Council of the Republic for Reform, L’Express de Madagascar reported.

The council includes several representatives from the Armed Forces of Madagascar and high-ranking gendarmerie officials, though the full membership has not yet been disclosed. According to the publication, Randrianirina’s first decree indicates that “subsequently, the council will probably include civilians as well.”

Randrianirina also declared the abolition of Madagascar’s constitution and the formation of the High Court of Reforms, which will serve as the transitional supreme judicial authority. The court is tasked with reviewing the country’s constitutional framework, organising a referendum on a new basic law, and overseeing general elections within a two-year period.

Until a new constitution is adopted, the country will operate under a “Charter of the Transitional Period of the Republic of Madagascar,” the details of which have not yet been released.

The highest authority during the transitional period will be the National Transitional Defence Council (CNDS), which is yet to be formed.

The council will include the chairman, who will serve as head of state, a deputy chairman “who will be the guarantor of political dialogue,” the chiefs of staff of the army, air force, and navy, the commander of the gendarmerie, the police director general, the leaders of all six provinces, and two representatives from each political party.

The charter also provides for a government of 18 ministers.

Randrianirina emphasised that the immediate priority is to appoint a prime minister on a consensus basis.

By Tamilla Hasanova