The Reform of State Governance in Madagascar, a Prerequisite for its Development

Abstract

Most of studies so far have put their focus on visible and obvious causes of poverty and delay in terms of development. Political instabilities, civil war were and, unfortunately in many cases, still are characteristics of most of developing countries, particularly in the Sub Saharan Africa region. According to studies carried out by concerned international institutions, especially by the World Bank, in this region are indeed located poorest countries in the world. Interesting thing is that they share some common characteristics. If so, it could be tempting to conclude that the situation of these countries has same reasons and causes as well. However, Madagascar, according the same indicators is considered as among the less developed countries in the world and where poverty is widespread and affects about tree Malagasy citizens out of four in terms of proportion. The situation of Madagascar appears quite strange and incoherent and raises relevant interrogations since the country practically never experienced civil war or severe conflicts and also possess an incredible potential at all levels, especially natural resources and diversity. Somehow, the geographical situation also keeps the island away from some regional tendencies that gnaw some Sub Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study has as main purpose to identify properly the roots and the explanation of this incoherent situation so that it is focusing on a fundamental dimension involved in every perspective and every projection on development, that Madagascar clearly failed to achieve, and on which not sufficient analyses and studies seem to have not paid enough attention to governance. Through historical approach and logical analysis of known and established facts, verified situations and tendencies along the first three Republics, the study was able to reach expected results which confirm the initial hypothesis: bad governance and mismanagement have a direct and causal relation with poverty and underdevelopment. Reforms need to be carried out at the level of governance. Within the political system, the main element in question is the power of the president as head of the executive and arbitrary and abuses that the system itself seems to allow due to weaknesses at the level of legal framework and institutions as well. There are also other factors involved in. The most interesting part is the cultural dimension that encompasses a social and psychological acceptation of practices and deep rooted concepts in the Malagasy society like the concept of Ray aman-dreny and also being a society of consensus, following the concept of fihavanana instead of accepting objective changes to be undertaken. Also, through this study, evidences that mainly come from World Bank Indicators and Afrobarometer confirmed the alarming tendency regarding governance practices. Practically all the indicators dont reach the average point. Lastly, this work ends up with a conclusion that compares the summary of the findings to the initial objectives and reaffirms the importance of improving good governance practices and also proposes some needed reforms especially at the level of legal framework that ensures an equilibrium and stability as well which are the key basis for achieving development.