Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina Dissolves Parliament Hours Before Impeachment Vote

In a dramatic power play that has thrown Madagascar deeper into political crisis, President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the National Assembly on Tuesday—just hours before lawmakers were set to vote on his impeachment. The move, denounced by opposition leaders as unconstitutional, marks the latest escalation in a weeks-long standoff triggered by youth-led protests over failing public services.

How Madagascar’s Political Crisis Unfolded
Rajoelina’s Last-Minute Power Move
Did the Impeachment Vote Still Happen?
Where Is President Rajoelina?
Public and International Response
Timeline of Key Events
Sources

How Madagascar’s Political Crisis Unfolded

What began as localized anger over chronic water and electricity shortages in Antananarivo quickly spiraled into nationwide unrest. Young protesters—many unemployed and frustrated by years of unfulfilled promises—marched daily, demanding accountability from Rajoelina’s administration.

Security forces initially responded with force, but reports emerged last week that some military and police units had refused orders to disperse crowds. The erosion of state control culminated in Rajoelina temporarily vanishing from public view—a period he later described as “going into hiding due to threats to my life.”

Andry Rajoelina Dissolves Parliament to Block Impeachment

On Monday night, with impeachment proceedings scheduled for Tuesday morning, Rajoelina issued a presidential decree dissolving the National Assembly—the lower house of Madagascar’s parliament. Under the country’s constitution, the president can dissolve parliament under specific conditions, but legal scholars argue that an imminent impeachment vote invalidates such a move.

“This isn’t governance—it’s desperation,” said opposition leader Hery Rajaonarimampianina. “He’s using technicalities to avoid democratic accountability.”

Did the Impeachment Vote Still Happen?

Defying the dissolution order, opposition lawmakers convened anyway and held the impeachment vote. While the legal standing of the session remains contested, sources inside parliament confirmed a majority voted in favor of removing Rajoelina from office.

Rajoelina dismissed the vote as “null and void,” calling it “a theatrical performance by those who lost at the ballot box.”

Madagascar’s Constitutional Crossroads

Constitutional Provision	Status Amid Crisis
Presidential power to dissolve parliament	Invoked by Rajoelina—but challenged as illegitimate pre-impeachment
Impeachment requires 2/3 majority in National Assembly	Reportedly achieved, though assembly was “dissolved”
Role of Constitutional Court	Yet to rule; seen as politically aligned with president
Next scheduled elections	2028—but early elections now being demanded by civil society

Where Is President Andry Rajoelina?

Rajoelina’s exact location remains unknown. Prime Minister Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo told The New York Times via text that the president was “on a mission abroad,” though no official itinerary has been released. Critics suspect he may be in France or the United Arab Emirates—both countries with historical ties to Madagascar’s elite.

Public and International Reaction

Protesters flooded central Antananarivo again on Tuesday evening, waving Madagascar’s red, green, and white flags and chanting “Rajoelina must go!” Meanwhile, the African Union and European Union have called for “dialogue and constitutional order,” stopping short of condemning the president directly.

“This isn’t just about utilities anymore,” said civil society leader Niry Randriamahazo. “It’s about whether Madagascar remains a democracy or becomes a one-man show.”