National consultation: a still imprecise timetable for the next steps

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

In 2026, Malagasy society appears to be at a decisive turning point, marked by a firm commitment to rebuilding the very foundations of the Republic through an unprecedented national consultation. Officially announced to begin this Wednesday, December 10, this initiative takes place against a backdrop of profound political instability, social emergency, and persistent economic challenges. The need for structural change, illustrated in particular by abysmal budget deficits exceeding 4 trillion ariary, necessitates a rethinking of governance, the institutional framework, and mechanisms for citizen participation. While the government, supported by the FFKM (Council of Christian Churches of Madagascar), is striving to sustain an inclusive dialogue, the planning for this consultation remains unclear, leaving many questions about its future stages, its precise timeline, and the concrete modalities of its implementation.

Participate in the national consultation to express your opinion and contribute to the decisions that shape our common future.

The success of such an approach hinges on the ability to define a strategic framework that transcends traditional divisions. National consultation is a crucial step in fostering a renewed democratic process, the ultimate goal of which is to draft a new Constitution and lay the foundations for stable development. In the current context, marked by a glaring lack of trust between the people and their leaders, it is also a matter of preserving the legitimacy of a process often perceived as a mere facade or a simple exercise in political communication. Most stakeholders emphasize that rigorous, though still somewhat imprecise, planning should promote constructive dialogue rather than sterile confrontation. Furthermore, the conduct of this consultation is not without its controversies. The question of the representativeness of participants, particularly at the level of the 20,000 fokontany (villages) spread across the country, poses a significant challenge. Selecting representative samples, including civil society, young people, women, and elders, remains essential to ensuring the legitimacy of the proposals that will emerge from this participatory phase.

June to July 2026

Final Adoption

August 2026

Stakeholder Engagement: Broad Participation for Inclusive Reform

The national consultation cannot claim legitimacy without broad and diverse participation. Actors from all walks of life will be called upon: political representatives, traditional chiefs, community leaders, civil society figures, youth, and women. The minister emphasized that all these components must be involved to build a shared vision capable of embodying the deep-rooted identity of Madagascar. The participation of the opposition, often marginalized in previous processes, will also be encouraged to strengthen the credibility of this initiative. Transparency in the process must be a priority, with the establishment of a clear framework for collecting and analyzing all proposals. Civil society, particularly associations working in the economic, social, and environmental fields, will play a central role in formulating concrete recommendations. The presence of former leaders, sometimes criticized for their passivity, could help legitimize the process by contributing their experience and credibility.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsVSGq3dlZE

• The logistical and methodological challenges of consultation in Madagascar
• The main challenge lies in the practical implementation of an effective organization while adhering to the initial timeline. The vast geographical dispersion, encompassing 20,000 fokontany (villages), makes the task arduous and costly. Selecting representative samples requires a precise methodology to ensure the representativeness of the opinions gathered, while avoiding logistical and budgetary overload. Modern communication tools, such as broadcasting and online participation platforms, will be essential to reach remote areas. Identifying and mobilizing influential local mediators, capable of amplifying the voices of isolated populations, will also be crucial. Finally, training local stakeholders, managing potential conflicts, and ensuring data security are all elements that cannot be overlooked to guarantee the credibility and reliability of the consultation process.
• Concrete measures and examples from other countries: what experience can Madagascar draw from?
• Around the world, many countries have experimented with leading national consultations to develop new constitutions or reformulate their governance. Colombia, for example, launched a participatory process during the previous decade to address the needs of a lastingly peaceful armed conflict. Tunisia, after its revolution, also led a broad dialogue platform involving multiple stakeholders to draft a consensus constitution. At each stage, the success of these experiences relies on a structured organization, a foundation of transparent decision-making, and strong citizen involvement. For Madagascar, these models offer an example to follow: it will be necessary to establish a clear organizational structure, prioritize digital participation, and ensure the secure collection of ideas to avoid manipulation or bias. The challenge is to broaden the citizen base without resorting to simplistic technocratic solutions, while integrating the nation’s unique cultural, historical, and social characteristics.

Key challenges and recommendations for effective consultation:

👉 Ensure broad and balanced representation

👉 Train local mediators to guarantee the participation of isolated areas

👉 Guarantee transparency in the processing of proposals

👉 Integrate all political forces, without exclusion

An essential step for the future stability of the country in an uncertain global context

This consultation process is taking place within a global context marked by unprecedented ecological, economic, and geopolitical challenges. The global demand for radical change in governance is stronger than ever. Citizen participation and collective action are therefore key elements in addressing these challenges. Madagascar’s long-term stability will depend, in part, on the ability to establish more inclusive, transparent, and peaceful governance. More than ever, this national consultation acts as a lever to mobilize all social and political components around a common project, enabling us to confront the crises of 2026 and beyond together. Rigorous planning, combined with genuine inclusivity, can provide Madagascar with a solid foundation to overcome its immediate challenges and prepare for a harmonious future based on participatory democracy and institutional coherence.

Participate in the national consultation to share your opinion and contribute to important decisions in our country.

What is the main purpose of the national consultation in Madagascar?

It aims to foster inclusive dialogue to draft a new Constitution and strengthen democracy by involving diverse social and political actors.