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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 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. Territorial administration is to be determined by legislation. In an effort to decentralize administration, the Constitution calls for the six provinces (faritany) to become autonomous. The six provinces are Antananarivo, Mahajanga, Antsiranana, Toamasina, Fianarantsoa, and Toliary. |
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President--Marc Ravalomanana
Prime Minister--Jacques Sylla
President of the Senate--Guy Rajemison Rakotomaharo
President of National Assembly--Jean Lahiniriko
Minister of Defense--General Petera Behajaina
Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget--Benjamin Radavidson Andriamparany
Minister of Foreign Affairs--Marcel Ranjeva
Minister of Transport and Public Works--Roland Randimampionona
Minister of Decentralization and Territorial Administration--Angelin Randrianarison
Minister of Justice--Lala Henriette Ratsiharovala
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). |
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