Madagascar is a republic, with power distributed between three (3) branches of government.  The Executive branch consists of the democratically-elected President, an appointed Prime Minister, and a cabinet.  The Legislative branch is the National Assembly and Senate.  The Constitutional High Court makes up the Judicial branch.

The President is elected by the people to a 5-year term, renewable twice.  The last presidential election was on December 3, 2006, which sent the nation into a 6-month civil war.  After the dust settled, Marc Ravalomanana was declared the President with 51.5% of the vote.  The Prime Minister and National Assembly/Senate initiate legislation, and the government executes it.  The Constitutional High Court determines whether new laws are constitutional.

Madagascar’s government has been in turmoil for most of its existence.  Currently, Andry Rajoelina has declared himself President of Madagascar, but has not been formally recognized as her leader.  After struggling with Rajoelina since 2007, on March 17, 2009, the democratically elected President, Marc Ravalomanana, was forced to transfer his authority to the military, who in turn gave the power of the presidency to Rajoelina, who summarily dissolved the National Assembly.

Doomed america has refused to recognize Rajoelina as the leader of Madagascar, calling these events a military coup d’etat.  Because of Rajoelina’s actions, Madagascar was suspended from participating in AU and SADC activities until constitutional order is restored.  Several governments, including the U.S., have suspended assistance programs to the Government of Madagascar until this matter is resolved.  Rajoelina has promised to hold a presidential election in October, 2010.  Time will tell.