CENI: Thierry Rakotonarivo officially resumes his duties as second vice-president

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

In Madagascar’s current electoral context, marked by a pressing desire to strengthen the credibility of the democratic process, the return of Thierry Rakotonarivo to the head of the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) as second vice-president stands out as a major event. His reinstatement is not simply an administrative reshuffle, but a strategic imperative for effective and transparent governance, especially in this crucial year for the upcoming elections. The complexity of the political situation demands a robust electoral institution, capable of addressing the numerous challenges related to the reliability of voter lists and the modernization of management tools. The evening of Tuesday, December 2nd, marked by the swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court in Anosy, symbolizes this renewed commitment to anchoring the electoral process in profound legitimacy through the strong involvement of institutional and political actors. The Context of Thierry Rakotonarivo’s Reinstatement to the CENI The context surrounding this reinstatement raises several fundamental issues, notably the question of the reliability of the electoral register

—a sensitive point that already triggered major crises in 2020. It is worth recalling that during his previous assignment to the CENI, Thierry Rakotonarivo publicly denounced an alarming situation: more than one million

National Identity Cards (CINs) bearing identical numbers and approximately 110,000 duplicates on the electoral roll. These revelations, which shook the political sphere, highlighted the need for a profound overhaul of the electoral system to guarantee transparency and legitimacy in the conduct of elections. The removal of Thierry Rakotonarivo in March 2020, following a referral to the High Constitutional Court (HCC), was never a mere administrative incident, but rather the manifestation of a broader confrontation over control of electoral governance. His return, following the vacancy of the seat due to his predecessor’s health, demonstrates the desire of most political actors to restore the institutional stability essential for the credibility of the 2026 electoral process. Thierry Rakotonarivo’s involvement in electoral reform Upon assuming his duties, Thierry Rakotonarivo made no secret of his commitment to advancing the reform of the Malagasy electoral system.

He stated his readiness to disclose, if necessary, the specific details of the irregularities that occurred in 2020 in order to ensure the transparency of the process. Revising the legislation governing the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), improving its technical tools, and strengthening its internal structures appears to be a priority to guarantee the impartial oversight of electoral operations. Several experts emphasize that modernizing electoral governance requires the adoption of advanced technologies, enabling more rigorous management and effective detection of anomalies, in order to avoid a recurrence of the 2020 crises. His commitment also aligns with a broad consensus, shared by political actors and civil society, around a common goal: more transparent and credible elections.

Political Stakes and Institutional Stability in Madagascar in 2026 The reinstatement of Thierry Rakotonarivo comes at a sensitive political time, where institutional stability is a key factor for the credibility of the upcoming elections. Trust in electoral governance cannot be built without complete transparency in the management of the electoral register, the prevention of fraud, and the impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). The politicization of its actions often constitutes a point of contention, facilitating repeated crises. However, this difficulty should not obscure the need to unite all stakeholders around a common project. Electoral governance must become a lever for strengthening social cohesion, preventing polarization, and ensuring the legitimacy of election results. The appointment of Thierry Rakotonarivo as head of the electoral commission represents a step towards a collaborative reform that must absolutely incorporate a commitment to consensus, particularly in light of the challenges of the next presidential election in 2026. Concrete measures proposed to strengthen electoral credibilityFaced with the major challenges confronting the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission), several concrete measures must be adopted to ensure the reliability of the electoral process:

📝 Complete review of the electoral register: eliminate duplicates and anomalies identified in 2020. 🖥️

Modernization of technical tools: deployment of advanced digital solutions for the daily management of electoral operations.

• 📊 Ongoing training for staff: strengthen the expertise of personnel responsible for organizing and supervising the vote.
• 🔍 Independent controls and audits: institutionalize verification mechanisms to guarantee transparency. 🤝 Ongoing dialogue with civil society: establishing an open partnership to build lasting trust in the electoral system. This action plan
• must be part of a comprehensive approach, uniting all stakeholders around the need for a credible electoral process. The legitimacy of future elections, essential for strengthening political stability and governance in the country, largely depends on the CENI’s ability to modernize and establish the transparency so eagerly awaited by the population and international partners. Electoral governance at the heart of the national debate in Madagascar The issue of CENI governance is not limited to its technical responsibilities alone; it also encompasses fundamental political issues. Trust in the electoral commission must be combined with the credibility of the laws and legislative processes that govern the holding of elections. The reinstatement of Thierry Rakotonarivo as “second vice-president”
• is part of a movement for renewal, aimed at opening the debate on more participatory, transparent, and democratic governance. Institutional reform must reduce the perceived destabilizing influence of political parties while ensuring the impartiality of the body. Civil society, through various platforms, frequently emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen legislation to ensure that elections are both credible and representative. Strengthening electoral governance would then continue to play a central role in long-term political stability, especially in a context where the country must overcome a persistent political crisis. Since electoral credibility is never definitively guaranteed, each step, particularly re-election or the appointment of members, must be based on rigorous and inclusive processes. Table of priority actions to secure the electoral process in 2026 Action 🔑
• Objective 🎯 Responsible Party 🚀 Deadline 📅

Review the electoral register Eliminate duplicates and anomalies

Technical Commission

end of 2025Modernize management toolsImprove transparency and reliability

IT Department