Madagascar's Institutional Stalemate: A Crisis Unfolding

As the military seizes power in Madagascar, the country is plunged into an institutional stalemate, with President Andry Rajoelina refusing to resign in the face of a two-thirds majority vote to remove him. The army's takeover has led to a constitutional crisis, with the National Assembly being dissolved by decree, and the High Constitutional Court facing dissolution. Father Cosimo Alvati, a Salesian missionary, highlights the complexity of the situation, explaining that the President's refusal to step down has created a power vacuum that various political parties will now try to fill.

Key Takeaways:

• The military takeover in Madagascar has led to an institutional stalemate, with President Andry Rajoelina refusing to resign despite a vote by 130 out of 163 deputies to remove him.
• The National Assembly was dissolved by decree, but the deputies voted to remove Rajoelina, citing a lack of legal basis for the dissolution.
• Rajoelina has rejected his removal, denouncing the military's actions as a "coup attempt" and claiming that the President remains in full power.
• The institution of a temporary president by the Senate, pending early elections, is uncertain due to the Senate's previous dissolution ordered by the military.
• The missionary, Father Cosimo Alvati, believes that Rajoelina is involved in negotiations to find a compromise and avoid early elections, potentially seeking a judicial pass.
• An institutional formula will be sought to bring the country to the polls once a compromise is reached among the political forces.

Statistics:

• 130: The number of deputies who voted to remove President Andry Rajoelina.
• 163: The total number of deputies in the National Assembly.
• 2/3: The majority required to force the President's resignation.

Sources:

• Agenzia Fides (October 15, 2025)
• MIL OSI (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com