Senate elections: controversy over the HCC’s approval, the CENI urged to establish a revised timetable

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

In a political context marked by growing uncertainty, the 2026 senatorial elections occupy a central place in the national debate. Initially scheduled for December 11, 2025, they have been postponed indefinitely, sparking controversy that highlights the weaknesses of the electoral system and the complexity of the institutional reconstruction process. The High Constitutional Court (HCC) upheld this postponement while emphasizing the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to propose a new timetable within a still unstable socio-political climate and in the face of ongoing legislative reform. The question of the legitimacy and transparency of this election is particularly acute in a context where the credibility of the electoral organization is being challenged, notably by the numerous difficulties encountered by the CENI in structuring its missions. The suspension of the annual revision of the electoral lists, linked to this reform undertaken as part of a broader restructuring process, is a major issue, as it prevents the final formation of the electoral college, the main lever for this crucial election. All of this is part of a broader crisis of Malagasy democracy, whose stability now depends on the government’s ability to organize a credible election that conforms to fundamental democratic principles. The controversy continues to intensify, fueled by fears of a biased process and suspicions of political motives behind the postponement, while the national and international community awaits a clear sign of the authorities’ commitment to respecting the Constitution and the pledges made regarding electoral transparency. The controversy surrounding this judicial approval and the electoral management constitutes a significant challenge. This poses a genuine challenge to democracy and the country’s political stability. Faced with this situation, the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) becomes more pressing than ever: it must develop a revised, credible electoral calendar that respects constitutional deadlines to avoid an institutional vacuum that could further weaken governance. The need for profound change in the electoral system is imperative, lest popular discontent increase and political tensions escalate.

The controversy surrounding the High Constitutional Court’s approval of the postponement of the senatorial elections to 2025

The 2025 senatorial elections have sparked unprecedented controversy, fueled by the High Constitutional Court’s (HCC) decision to approve the indefinite postponement, a measure that prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to revise its plans. At first glance, this judicial support appears to be in accordance with the principle of legality, but in reality, it raises numerous questions about the legitimacy and transparency of the electoral process. The decision rests on the recognition of the suspension of the revision of the electoral lists, an essential step for holding the elections. The HCC thus validated the fact that this suspension, although motivated by a complex reform of the electoral system, could justify the postponement in order to preserve the credibility of the upcoming elections. However, this approval has also fueled political mistrust, as it comes in a context where some actors are suspected of using this crisis to delay or manipulate the electoral cycle for their own benefit. The controversy is not limited to a simple legal matter; it also involves profound political issues, since the stability of democracy depends on the electoral system’s ability to guarantee a free and credible vote.

The stakes of electoral reform in the current controversy

The ongoing reform of Madagascar’s electoral system, which notably involves a restructuring of the legislative framework, is at the heart of the controversy. Its primary objective is to improve the transparency and credibility of the senatorial elections by adjusting the rules of participation and organization. However, this reform is encountering strong resistance, fueled by fears that its amendments could be used to manipulate the electorate or favor certain candidates. The suspension of the revision of the electoral lists, a step normally carried out annually from December to May, highlights the accumulated delays in preparing for the election. Furthermore, the responsibility for quickly reforming this regulatory framework falls to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), which is also undergoing internal restructuring. The question remains: given its new responsibilities and organizational changes, will this institution be able to propose a credible revised timetable within the required timeframe? Without this, the risk of an interminable postponement looms over the political scene.

The technical and institutional challenges of organizing the 2026 elections

The CENI’s position in 2026 reveals the extent to which electoral management faces technical and institutional challenges. On the one hand, the suspension of the annual revision of the electoral lists calls into question the establishment of a credible electorate, justifying the need to restructure this crucial step. On the other hand, several legislative reforms must be adopted quickly to modernize the regulatory framework, but their implementation is encountering political resistance and administrative constraints. Furthermore, the very composition of the CENI is subject to controversy, particularly after the replacement of its president during an internal reshuffle. This change raises questions: is it a genuine restructuring or simply an administrative adjustment? The transparency of this transition remains a major issue, as any weakness in the governance of the electoral body could further undermine the process. The organization’s fragility is also accompanied by increased difficulty in ensuring the participation of the electoral college, primarily drawn from local authorities, whose designation remains incomplete or contested in several regions.

The challenges related to territorial representation

The distinctive feature of the senatorial election lies in its dependence on the electoral college, that is, local elected officials. However, in the current context, this territorial representation suffers from several inconsistencies and institutional shortcomings. The designation of regional leaders, who should constitute a significant portion of the electoral college, remains ambiguous, even though the Constitution stipulates a different approach. This disparity fuels a recurring debate on the legitimacy of the Senate and its capacity to faithfully represent decentralization, particularly in the face of regional states that are still in their formative stages. The lack of these territorial elites also calls into question the legality and legitimacy of the electoral college, which reinforces mistrust regarding the transparency of the electoral process. With decentralization reform underway, this institutional imbalance could persist, undermining the credibility of the election and fueling political tensions.

Discover all the essential information on the senatorial elections: dates, candidates, issues, and results to closely follow this key political event.

The political issues related to managing the electoral calendar

At the heart of the controversy lies the management of the electoral calendar, which has crystallized tensions between partisan ambitions and constitutional imperatives. The High Constitutional Court’s (HCC) decision to approve the postponement was initially seen as a necessary step to guarantee credible election conditions, but it has only intensified criticism of institutional compartmentalization. The central question now revolves around whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), in its new configuration, will be able to propose a date that reconciles respect for the constitutional calendar with political realities. The stakes go far beyond simply organizing an election: they involve preserving the legitimacy of institutions and strengthening confidence in the democratic process. The fear that political actors will try to prolong this period of uncertainty indefinitely is not unfounded and aligns with a tendency to view this crisis as a means of manipulating the electoral dynamics to their advantage.

The risks of an institutional vacuum and their implications

Failure to adhere to the electoral calendar, combined with the expiration of the senatorial mandate, could lead to an institutional vacuum that threatens the country’s stability. Indeed, with the senators’ mandates having expired and no extension permitted under the Constitution, Madagascar risks being plunged into a situation where senatorial representation is indefinitely suspended. The Constitutional Court’s validation of the judicial postponement was perceived as a legal step, but it did not dispel doubts about the institutional soundness of this transition. The main concern lies in the rise of political tensions, which could further erode Madagascar’s fragile democracy. Without a clear electoral calendar and a credible organization, the country could see its institutional balance weakened, with potentially serious consequences for national stability. The CENI’s strategic choices in the face of electoral uncertainty.

Legislative amendments, adaptation of rules

Legitimacy of the process, legal stability

Public Trust 🤝

Transparency, management of controversy, role of institutional actors

Political stabilization, strengthening of democracy

What are the main causes of the slight delay in organizing the 2026 Senate elections?

The delays are primarily due to political instability, the suspension of the electoral roll revision process, and ongoing legislative reforms that complicate the establishment of a reliable and credible electoral calendar.

How can the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) ensure transparent elections despite these challenges?

By strengthening its transparency guarantees through legitimate appointment processes, ensuring clear communication with all stakeholders, and rigorously adhering to constitutional deadlines when proposing a new calendar.

What risks does Madagascar face if no revised calendar is proposed quickly?