Madagascar could hold constitutional referendum before presidential election
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Madagascar Tribune
Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court says a referendum to adopt a new Constitution could legally be held before the presidential election. The proposal would be debated by the Council of Ministers, approved by three-quarters of the National Assembly and then put to voters, according to the HCC’s opinion of 4 November, reported by Madagascar Tribune.
Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court (HCC) says a referendum to adopt a new Constitution can be held before the presidential election, according to its opinion issued on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The procedure would be initiated by the president of the Refoundation after deliberation by the Council of Ministers, then require approval from three-quarters of National Assembly members before a popular vote.
The HCC distinguishes the adoption of a new Constitution, which could establish a new institutional order, from a simple revision of the current text. It also considers a referendum offering voters several options possible, provided the legal and regulatory rules governing this type of consultation are amended beforehand, according to the constitutional court.
The 2027 finance bill provides more than 199 billion ariary for the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), notably to prepare for the constitutional referendum and presidential election. The report-back from political consultations held from 1 to 8 September is expected on 9 and 10 November in Ivato and is intended to inform discussions on future electoral rules.
The opinion comes after waiting for the HCC’s decision on cases concerning former Malagasy president Andry Rajoelina, mentioned in the wait for the constitutional decision on 22 October 2026.
