Constitution:

passed by referendum 19 August 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 18 March 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Monja Roindefo ZAFITSIMIVALO (since 18 March 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister