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Madagascar - Government and Political Conditions (Notes)

GOVERNMENT In March 1998, Malagasy voters approved a revised Constitution. The principal institutions of the Republic of Madagascar are a presidency, a parliament (National Assembly and Senate), a prime ministry and cabinet, and an independent judiciary. The president is elected by direct universal suffrage for a 5-year term, renewable twice. The last presidential election was held on December 3, 2006. The National Assembly consists of 160 representatives elected by direct vote every 5 years. The last election was held in December 2002, The Senate consists of 90 senators, two-thirds elected by local legislators and other Grand Electors and one-third appointed by the president, all for 6-year terms. A prime minister and council of ministers carries out day-to-day management of government. The president appoints the prime minister. The prime minister and members of Parliament initiate legislation, and the government executes it. The president can dissolve the National Assembly. For its part, the National Assembly can pass a motion of censure and require the prime minister and council of ministers to step down. The Constitutional Court approves the constitutionality of new laws. In an effort to decentralize administration, the 1998 Constitution called for the six provinces (faritany) to become autonomous. The six provinces are Antananarivo, Mahajanga, Antsiranana, Toamasina, Fianarantsoa, and Toliary. Principal Government Officials President--Marc Ravalomanana Prime Minister--General Charles Rabemananjara President of the Senate--Guy Rajemison Rakotomaharo President of National Assembly--Mahafaritsy Samuel Razakanirina Minister of Defense--General Petera Behajaina Minister of Finance and Budget--Benjamin Radavidson Andriamparany Minister of Foreign Affairs--Marcel Ranjeva Minister of Public Works and Meteorology--Roland Randimampionona Minister of Transportation and Tourism--Julien Laporte Ravelonarivo Minister of Energy--Patrick Xavier Heriniaina Ramiaramanana Minister within the Presidency, in charge of Decentralization and Country Planning--Yvan Andrianasandratriniony Minister of Justice--Lala Henriette Ratsiharovala Minister of Civil Service, Labor and Social Law--Tsiandopy Mahafaly Jacquis Minister of Environment, Water and Forest--Koto Bernard Minister of Health and Family Planning--Dr. Jean Louis Robinson Minister of National Education and Scientific Researches--Haja Nirina Razafinjatovo Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries--Marius De Sales Ratolojanahary Minister of Sports--Philemon Michel Rabarison Minister of Telecommunications, Posts and Communication--Bruno Andrianatavison Ramaroson Minister of Economy, Planning, Private Sector and Commerce--Harison Edmond Minister of Mines--Olivier Donat Andriamahefaparany Vice Minister for Education and Scientific Research--Cécile Marie Ange Manorohanta Vice Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries--Harifidy, Jean Seth, Alain Ramilison State Secretary within the Ministry of Interior in charge of Public Security--Désiré Rasolofomanana State Secretary within the Ministry of Telecommunications, Posts, and Communication in charge of Culture and Leisure--Hermann Razafindravelo Ambassador to the U.S.--Narisoa Rajaonarivony Ambassador to the UN--Zina Andrianarivelo-Razafy Madagascar maintains an embassy in the United States at 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-265-5525).