Arsène Dama Andrianarisedo resigns from the presidency of the CENI: a new chapter for the electoral institution

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

The Stakes of a Change in Governance at the Head of the CENI in 2026

In this pivotal year for Malagasy democracy, the resignation of Arsène Dama Andrianarisedo from the presidency of the CENI (National Independent Electoral Commission) represents a major turning point in the restructuring of the institutional landscape responsible for organizing elections. After several years marked by political tensions and controversies surrounding the transparency of electoral processes, this unexpected departure raises numerous questions about the stability and future legitimacy of the electoral institution. The stance adopted by the outgoing president, part of a “refounding” dynamic evidenced by his statements, underscores a collective desire to meet popular expectations for change and credibility.This context of institutional crisis is part of a broader dynamic, where the main challenge lies in reconciling the need for technical expertise with democratic legitimacy. The handover of power to Thierry Rakotonarivo is seen as a crucial step in establishing a new cycle of governance, aimed at restoring confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), which has often been undermined by accusations of bias or political interference. The stability of the electoral process in 2026 will depend largely on the effectiveness of this transition and the new team’s ability to unite all stakeholders around a common goal: guaranteeing free, fair, and transparent elections. The motivations behind Arsène Dama Andrianarisedo’s resignation: reflections on the reform of the electoral institution According to

Arsène Dama Andrianarisedo

His decision to step down as president reflects a desire for a profound “refounding” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). According to his statements, this step is neither a punishment nor a personal admission of failure, but rather a response to the growing expectations of civil society and citizens, who are seeking substantial change in the management of electoral processes. He emphasized that this transition should broaden the national debate and strengthen the legitimacy of the institution, which is often perceived as being out of touch with popular concerns.

The context of this resignation also illustrates a significant shift in the governance of Madagascar, which has suffered for several years from a lack of trust in its institutions. The desire to renew the leadership at the CENI appears to be a strategic act aimed at establishing a new era focused on transparency and citizen participation. However, this move must also contend with the realities of the political landscape, where any change in electoral governance inevitably provokes resistance and even conflicts of interest. The success of this new phase will depend on the credibility of the stakeholders involved and their ability to transcend differences in favor of the common good. The succession process at the head of the CENI: challenges and opportunities in 2026

The handover between Arsène Dama Andrianarisedo and Thierry Rakotonarivo took place within a context of internal restructuring, where the desire for renewal goes beyond a simple question of replacement. The election of the new president, which comes shortly after his appointment as a member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), reflects a concern to restore a climate of trust and strengthen the institution’s legitimacy at this crucial moment in the electoral cycle. The transition unfolded according to a transparent process, decided by collective deliberation, and is part of a reform strategy aimed at maximizing the CENI’s independence from external pressures.

This change nevertheless presents several major challenges: guaranteeing a balance between technical expertise and legitimacy, involving all stakeholders, particularly civil society, political parties, and the international community, and ensuring coherent management of future mandates. The succession of Dama Andrianarisedo appears to be a step facilitating the implementation of a new governance model, where transparency and impartiality will be essential criteria for strengthening public trust and ensuring institutional stability. The maturity of this transition will determine the credibility of the upcoming elections.

The Stakes of a New Governance Model for the Credibility of the 2026 Elections

In the current context, the credibility of electoral processes remains a strategic issue. The new CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) leadership will have to contend with an increasingly demanding population that no longer tolerates dysfunction or manipulation. The challenge lies in establishing participatory governance by integrating citizen oversight mechanisms and ensuring complete transparency at every stage of the voting process.

The independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) is also essential to preserving the legitimacy of election results in the face of political pressure or unfounded accusations. Thierry Rakotonarivo’s ability to maintain this course of action, while being supported by experienced experts and observers, will be crucial in meeting societal expectations. A loss of legitimacy for the institution would have detrimental consequences, not only for political stability but also for Madagascar’s international image.

Factors that could influence political stability during the transition

Several factors could impact political stability during this transition period, including the management of tensions between political actors, the monitoring of civil society, and media coverage. Implementing an inclusive process, where each party feels heard, will be paramount to avoiding increased polarization or crises of legitimacy.

Recent events related to contested election results and social mobilizations, such as those observed during the May 13 crisis, illustrate the need for constructive and transparent dialogue. Managing these tensions requires clear leadership and effective communication, avoiding any backpedaling that could reignite mistrust or further weaken Malagasy democracy.

2. List of key actions to guarantee the stability of the electoral process:
3. Strengthen transparency at every stage of the voting process 🗳️
4. Integrate citizen participation into the oversight process 👫
5. Ensure ongoing training for electoral staff 📚

Promote dialogue between political actors and civil society 🤝

Social or political crises

Establish a public mediation mechanism

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the resignation of Arsène Dama Andrianarisedo considered a turning point for democracy in Madagascar?

His decision marks a step in the effort to reform the institution, with the aim of strengthening the legitimacy and transparency of the upcoming elections.

What are the main issues related to the succession at the head of the CENI?

The main issues are preserving independence and credibility, and fostering a stable transition that can lead to credible elections in 2026.

How can the new leadership influence the credibility of the electoral processes?

By embodying transparent governance, involving civil society, and avoiding any interference, the president of the CENI can establish a lasting climate of trust.

What are the main challenges during this transition period?