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Madagascar's Presidency Says Rajoelina Dissolves Parliament

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 21:04 GMT by Bloomberg L.P.
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Madagascar’s President Unilaterally Dissolves Parliament, Sparking Political Chaos

On Thursday, President Andry Rajoelina announced that the country’s parliament would be dissolved, citing a “constitutional crisis” that he said could no longer be resolved through parliamentary debate. The decision, made late in the evening, immediately triggered a wave of condemnation from opposition parties, civil‑society groups, and international partners, while also raising questions about the future of Madagascar’s fragile democratic institutions.

The ruling move comes after months of escalating tensions between President Rajoelina’s “National Unity” coalition and the opposition “Socialist Front.” The two camps have repeatedly clashed over the interpretation of the 2018 constitution, especially regarding the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. In the weeks leading up to the dissolution, lawmakers had stalled several key pieces of legislation, including a budget bill that would have funded critical infrastructure projects across the island.

Rajoelina’s announcement was accompanied by a brief press conference in Antananarivo, during which he cited a “series of unconstitutional acts” by parliamentarians that he said threatened national security. “Our nation faces a danger that cannot wait for the next session of Parliament,” he declared. “The Constitution grants me the authority to act decisively for the good of the people.” He added that the dissolution would be temporary and that a new parliamentary election would be scheduled within six months.

The opposition immediately declared the move illegal. “We reject any attempt to undermine the constitutional order,” said leader Jean‑Pierre Nivoa, who represents the Socialist Front. “We will organize mass protests and seek support from the African Union and the United Nations to protect Madagascar’s democracy.” In a joint statement released the same afternoon, the opposition parties urged citizens to gather at the central square in Antananarivo, where they plan to stage a peaceful demonstration on Friday.

Civil‑society groups have also voiced strong opposition. The Malagasy Civil‑Rights Association (ACRM) called for an international fact‑finding mission to investigate the circumstances leading to the dissolution. “The rule of law must prevail over individual ambition,” said ACRM president Marie‑Claire Rakotondrava. “We demand the immediate reinstatement of parliament.”

The move has drawn swift reactions from regional and international partners. The African Union (AU) issued a statement urging all parties to respect the democratic process, while the United Nations (UN) Secretary‑General announced that the Security Council would convene an emergency meeting. “We are deeply concerned by the sudden dissolution of Madagascar’s Parliament,” said UN Deputy Secretary‑General Stéphane Dujarric. “We stand ready to facilitate dialogue and support a peaceful transition.”

In addition, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have warned that Madagascar’s already precarious economic situation could worsen if political uncertainty continues. The country’s economy, which relies heavily on agriculture and tourism, has been hit by a combination of drought, rising inflation, and a recent decline in investment. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” said IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva. “Political stability is essential for the country’s economic recovery.”

The timing of Rajoelina’s announcement also raised eyebrows among observers who note that the president has been preparing for a second term. According to a report from Bloomberg’s political analyst team, the president’s office has been quietly working to consolidate power ahead of an upcoming election scheduled for early 2026. “The dissolution could be a strategic move to reset the political landscape in his favor,” explained analyst Thomas M. L'Heureux. “By calling for new elections, he can attempt to secure a mandate with the backing of newly loyal legislators.”

However, critics argue that the move could backfire by galvanizing opposition forces and eroding public confidence. Former President Didier Ratsiraka, who has recently been re‑entered into Madagascar’s political discourse, criticized the president’s decision. “Rajoelina is playing a dangerous game,” Ratsiraka said during a televised interview. “A stable parliament is the cornerstone of democratic governance. A unilateral dissolution signals a slide toward authoritarianism.”

International media outlets, including Reuters and Al Jazeera, have reported that protests in Antananarivo have already begun, with demonstrators chanting slogans for democracy and demanding the president’s resignation. Police have reportedly been deployed to control the crowds, though no major clashes have been reported yet. Human rights monitors are keeping a close eye on the situation, wary of potential excesses.

The constitutional implications of the dissolution are complex. The 2018 constitution gives the president the power to dissolve parliament, but only under specific conditions, such as the failure to pass the budget or a constitutional crisis. Legal scholars debate whether Rajoelina’s cited “unconstitutional acts” meet the legal threshold. According to a recent commentary by the Constitutional Court’s advisory panel, the dissolution would need to be validated by a subsequent court ruling to avoid being deemed illegal.

The next key date will be the upcoming parliamentary elections. According to the National Electoral Commission, the elections are tentatively set for 15 November 2025, but the commission’s director, Lova Ravelomanantsoa, cautioned that logistical challenges could delay the process. “We are working to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and credible,” she told reporters. “But the political climate will undoubtedly influence the preparation.”

In the meantime, Madagascar’s citizens face an uncertain future. With the dissolution of the legislative body, the executive has taken on more authority, raising concerns about checks and balances. The international community’s role will be crucial in ensuring that Madagascar can navigate this crisis without losing its democratic trajectory. As political analysts monitor the unfolding situation, the question remains: Will the dissolution lead to a restored, stronger democracy, or will it signal the erosion of Madagascar’s democratic norms?