The Dark Veins of Power: Analysis of the Independence of Malagasy Justice in Light of the Separation of Powers

Justice is a fundamental pillar of the rule of law and democracy. In Madagascar, despite the 2010 constitutional provisions guaranteeing judicial independence, a major contradiction persists between the stated principle and institutional reality. This article aims to demonstrate the mechanisms by which the executive branch exercises control over the judiciary and analyze the consequences for public confidence. The methodology is based on an exegetical analysis of constitutional texts and organic laws, combined with an observation of institutional practices and governance indicators. The results reveal significant executive control over career management, the budget, and appointments to the High Courts via the High Council of the Judiciary. Assessments by the World Bank and Transparency International correlate this structural dependence with levels of perceived corruption. This situation leads to administrative delays and a loss of public confidence, threatening social cohesion and the culture of Fihavanana. A comparative perspective with other African systems sheds light on Madagascar's specificities. In conclusion, judicial independence remains textual rather than substantive. Structural reform that excludes direct influence from the executive branch and incorporates the contributions of magistrates is urgently needed to restore the legitimacy of the justice system and guarantee the separation of powers.

Malagasy Justice, Judicial Independence, Separation of Powers, Executive, Rule of Law

1. Books [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Conac, G. (1998). African Constitutions, Volume II. La Documentation française. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Constitution of the Republic of Madagascar. (1998). Official Journal of the Republic of Madagascar. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Constitution of the Republic of Madagascar. (2010). Official Journal of the Republic of Madagascar. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Debbasch, C. (2002). The Independence of the Judiciary. In Au Carrefour des droits, Mélanges en l'honneur de Louis Dubouis (pp. 27-33). Dalloz. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Imbiki, A. (2013). Ethics and Responsibilities of Magistrates. Éditions Créons. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Organic Law No. 2014-043. (2014). On the High Court of Justice. Official Journal of the Republic of Madagascar. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Montesquieu, C. (1979). The Spirit of Laws. Garnier-Flammarion. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Ricœur, P. (1995). Justice. Éditions Esprit. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Sefafi Observatory of Public Life. (2009). What justice for the present and the future? [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Weber, M. (2003). The Scholar and the Politician. La Découverte. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Articles [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Delcamp, A. (2013). Constitutional courts and parliaments, or how the principles of sovereignty and the rule of law are combined today. Les Nouveaux Cahiers du Conseil constitutionnel, (38), 181-203. https://www.cairn.info/revue-nouveaux-cahiers-conseil-constitutionnel-2013-1-page-181.htm (accessed February 16, 2026). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Renoux, T.-S. (1999). The judiciary in France and continental Europe: a comparative approach. Revue de Droit Public, (4), 967-984. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Tiberghien, F. (2017). Judicial power and autonomous management of resources. Après-demain, 41(1), 26-30. https://www.cairn.info/revue-apres-demain-2017-1-page-26.htm (accessed February 18, 2026). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Urfer, S. (2003). New deal in Madagascar. Studies, 398(4), 465-474. https://www.cairn.info/revue- etudes-2003-4-page-465.htm (accessed February 18, 2026). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. WEBOGRAPHY [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Ahjucaf. (2022). External threats to judicial independence. http://v1.ahjucaf.org/Les-menaces- externes-a-l-independance-de-la-justice//html (accessed February 16, 2026). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. World Bank. (2022). Global Governance Indicators: Rule of Law. https://www.banquemondiale.org (accessed February 16, 2026). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Transparency International. (2023). Corruption Perceptions Index 2022. https://www.transparency.org (accessed February 16, 2026). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Global Political Economy and Educational Reforms in the Global South: An Evolutionary Study of Ghana
• Electoral Militarization and the Challenges of Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria: A Focus on the 2023 Presidential Election
• Political Awareness and Engagement in Relation to Voting Behavior among College Students
• Role of Community Leaders in Ensuring Secure Electoral Process in Nairobi City County, Kenya
• Assessing the Delivery of Local Disaster Management Services and Client Satisfaction through SERVQUAL Dimensions