Unconstitutional changes of government in Africa : the case of Madagascar

The political crisis in Madagascar resulting in the unconstitutional change of government in March 2009 was not the first time Madagascar experienced political instability. Since its independence in 1960, but particularly from the 1970s, Madagascar has experienced recurring political instability and violence. The country's instability has largely been a result of economic crisis, poverty, contested constitutional order, partisan politics and ethnic tensions. The manner in which the now ousted President, Marc Ravalomanana, came into power in 2001 is a clear example of this. Ravalomanana first entered politics in 1999 when he became mayor of the capital city Antananarivo, and had only been in politics for three years when he became a candidate for the presidential elections in 2001. The incumbent president at the time, Didier Ratsiraka, and the former president, Albert Zafy, were also candidates.