Malagasy Citizens Prioritize Democracy, but are Willing to Accept Military Intervention if Elected Leaders Abuse Power

Malagasy citizens overwhelmingly prefer democracy over any other political system, with a majority of 53% affirming their support for democratic governance. However, 13% of the population believes that a non-democratic government can be preferable in certain circumstances, and a significant 33% express indifference to the type of government they have. The Afrobarometer survey also found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of citizens reject military rule as a system of government, while 60% believe it is legitimate for the armed forces to take control of government when elected leaders abuse power for personal gain. The survey's results come on the heels of a military takeover in Madagascar, where the military leadership promised to form a civilian government and conduct elections within two years.

Key Takeaways:

• A majority (53%) of Malagasy citizens prefer democracy over any other political system, while 13% believe a non-democratic government can be preferable and 33% express indifference.
• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of citizens reject military rule as a system of government, while 60% see it as legitimate to intervene when elected leaders abuse power.
• In the event of a military takeover, a plurality (45%) of respondents advocate for the immediate restoration of civilian rule, while 35% prefer a gradual transition and 20% believe the military should rule as long as it deems necessary.
• Afrobarometer's survey found that Malagasy citizens are willing to accept military intervention if they perceive their elected leaders as abusing their power.
• The survey's results suggest that Malagasy citizens place a high value on democratic governance, but are also pragmatic and willing to accept alternative solutions if they perceive a need for change.

Statistics:

• 53% of Malagasy citizens prefer democracy over any other political system (Figure 1).
• 64% of citizens reject military rule as a system of government (Figure 2).
• 60% of respondents believe it is legitimate for the armed forces to take control of government when elected leaders abuse power (Figure 3).
• 45% of respondents advocate for the immediate restoration of civilian rule in the event of a military takeover (Figure 4).
• 20% of respondents believe the military should rule as long as it deems necessary in the event of a takeover.

Sources:

• Afrobarometer (2025). "Malagasy Citizens Prioritize Democracy, but are Willing to Accept Military Intervention if Elected Leaders Abuse Power."
• COEF-Ressources (2025). Survey conducted in Madagascar from October-November 2024.
• Afrobarometer (2025). Round 10 (2024/2025) survey results.