The Constitutional Court of Madagascar has given the green light for a constitutional referendum to be held before the presidential election. The court's decision was announced on Wednesday, following a request from Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, who took power in October 2025 after ousting President Andry Rajoelina. The referendum will propose several options for constitutional changes, with the aim of paving the way for the presidential election.
Colonel Randrianirina, who has been dubbed "president of the Refondation," had promised to hold elections within 24 months after taking power. Since then, public and political consultations have been underway, but no specific date has been set for the election. The court's decision suggests that a constitutional referendum is the preferred scenario for the country's new leader. The proposed changes include a shift towards a federal state, which was popular among young people during consultations in August.
The current constitution was established in 2010, following a crisis in 2009 that led to the ousting of President Marc Ravalomanana. The new constitution aims to address issues of decentralization and the distribution of power. Colonel Randrianirina is set to present the results of consultations with political parties in Antananarivo on Monday and Tuesday. The consultations aim to organize the elections and ensure a smooth transition of power.
The Constitutional Court's decision states that holding a referendum on constitutional changes before the presidential election is not contrary to the current constitution. The court also noted that presenting several alternative options is possible. This development is seen as a significant step towards restoring democracy in Madagascar. The country has been in a state of turmoil since the ousting of President Rajoelina.
In a related development, the Congolese government has released a $35 million cheque to settle the arrears of 4,212 retired employees of the Office national des transports (Onatra SA). The payment is part of the government's efforts to address social welfare issues. The move is expected to bring relief to the retired employees who have been waiting for their payments.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the government has been engaged in efforts to reform the water sector. The government is seeking a consultant to analyze the institutions, laws, and regulations governing the sector. The aim is to develop a strategy for reforming the public water service in rural areas.
The developments in Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo are significant for the region. The constitutional referendum in Madagascar is expected to pave the way for presidential elections, while the payment of arrears to retired employees in the Congo is a step towards addressing social welfare issues. The reforms in the water sector in the Congo aim to improve access to clean water in rural areas.
Key points
- Madagascar's Constitutional Court approves referendum on constitutional changes before presidential election
- Colonel Michaël Randrianirina's government proposes shift towards federal state
- Congolese government releases $35 million to settle arrears of retired employees
