National consultation: installation of the steering committee under the direction of Colonel Michaël Randrianirina

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

Strengthening Governance through the Steering Committee during the 2026 National Consultation

In 2026, the conduct of the national consultation in Madagascar reached a crucial stage with the official establishment of the steering committee, tasked with ensuring the organization and strategic coordination of the Refoundation process. This establishment, occurring within a still fragile political context, aims to create clear governance to manage a large-scale project that must meet the legitimate expectations of a people seeking stability and progress. The chairmanship of this committee is held by Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, an emblematic figure of change since taking office in October 2025, following the fall of the old regime. The context of this process is not without its complexities. The consultation, long perceived as a space for inclusive dialogue but whose legitimacy had been questioned, requires a strong structure to prevent any political exploitation or conflict of interest. The first meeting, held at the State Palace of Iavoloha on January 22, 2026, brought together a number of key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, administrative officials, and representatives of the FFKM, despite the controversies surrounding this religious platform. The presence of diverse actors demonstrates a commitment to giving the entire process a genuinely participatory dimension. The strategic leadership was implemented by Colonel Randrianirina. This appears as a response to a crisis of legitimacy that could have undermined the credibility of the process. By positioning this body as a key pillar of the national restructuring, Madagascar seeks to reaffirm its institutions while avoiding the pitfalls of political fragmentation. The coordination of the various initiatives, particularly through the implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools, is an essential step in guiding the consultation towards a consensual and sustainable outcome. The fundamental challenges of the steering committee in managing the national consultation

The

steering committee is not simply an administrative body, but the heart of strategic governance. Mastering the process includes clearly defining its missions, structuring its agendas, and mobilizing the necessary resources to support the consultation within a transparent framework. Conceived as a unifying body, it must also ensure cohesion among diverse stakeholders, often with divergent visions, and foster a spirit of constructive dialogue.

Its role extends beyond mere organization. The strategic steering dimension must be considered, which also implies the ability to anticipate potential obstacles, particularly political, social, or economic resistance. Effective management of tensions, as well as the establishment of a precise timeline, appear to be essential conditions for ensuring the success of the initiative. Transparency in communication and accessibility of processes will be crucial for reassuring the public and establishing a lasting climate of trust.

Key elements for an effective steering committee organization: 🌍 Clarity of missions to avoid any ambiguity in governance

🛠️ Implementation of appropriate monitoring and evaluation tools 🤝 Inclusion of all key stakeholders, including civil society 📅 Development of a precise timeline, respecting fundamental deadlines

🚀 Regular communication to maintain public support

• Concrete actions undertaken by the steering committee in January 2026
• At the first meeting, several measures were immediately initiated by the
• steering committee
• to structure the intervention in a context still marked by mistrust and instability. The stakeholders present agreed to establish a precise framework for managing the subsequent stages, including the implementation of consultation mechanisms at all levels of society. The transparency of these initiatives remains a major challenge to maintain the legitimacy of the approach.

Furthermore, the committee must ensure effective follow-up in the face of various rumors of blockages or attempts at political co-optation, as denounced in some analyses (

see article). Media engagement and public communication will thus be strengthened to maintain momentum and openly proclaim the commitment to overcoming obstacles.

Key InitiativesObjectives

profound reform

Institutional governance may prove necessary to overcome these obstacles and ensure that participatory democracy is fully realized. Furthermore, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on the government’s ability to maintain an open attitude, promote complete transparency, and encourage effective citizen participation. The implementation of these principles must also be accompanied by a constant effort to contextualize each step within the country’s recent political history, in order to avoid any co-opting or manipulation.

As for the risks associated with the manipulation or marginalization of certain groups, increased vigilance is essential. Safeguarding the integrity of the process will require rigorous oversight and an organization that prioritizes representativeness, transparency, and accountability, particularly through clear communication and the valuing of all voices. Main obstacles 🔒 Persistent political resistance

📉 Social mistrust and defiance
⚖️ Difficulty ensuring balanced representation

⏳ Delays in implementing reforms

1. 🤝 Risk of partisan exploitation
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-zw_kCgi5o
3. A dynamic of citizen engagement to successfully rebuild Madagascar
4. Ultimately, the success of this national consultation depends heavily on the active involvement of citizens and civic actors. Collective mobilization is the main lever for overcoming divisions and building a consensual future. The role of local actors is therefore essential to ensure complete transparency at every stage. Their engagement fosters a climate of trust, anticipates obstacles, and energizes collective will, in the spirit of lasting change.
5. The challenges are significant, but the implementation of a rigorous organization, coupled with strong accountability from stakeholders, could pave the way for genuine political and social transformation in the country. Through this consultation process, Madagascar aims to build a more just, equitable, and resilient society, better equipped to face the challenges of the future.

What are the main responsibilities of the steering committee for the national consultation?

It is responsible for coordinating the organization, setting deadlines, monitoring progress, and ensuring transparency throughout the entire process to guarantee effective and inclusive governance. How does the steering committee contribute to strengthening the legitimacy of the process? Through transparency, open consultation, and the participation of all key stakeholders, particularly civil society, and through rigorous and strategic resource management. What are the main challenges faced by this committee?

Political resistance, social mistrust, implementation delays, and the risk of partisan exploitation are all challenges the committee must overcome to ensure the success of the reform. How can effective citizen participation be ensured in this process?

By increasing local forums, ensuring clear communication, valuing the diversity of voices, and establishing participatory monitoring mechanisms.

What role does transparency play in the success of the national consultation?

It strengthens citizens’ trust, reduces the risk of manipulation, and guarantees that the process remains focused on the common good.