MALAGASY NATIONAL POLICE

A. The Malagasy Republic
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Madagascar became a French colony under the terms of the law of
August 6, 1896.. This law was declared null and NVoid on October 14, 1958
by the French Government, and at the same time the birth of the Malagasy
Republic was proclaimed as a free State within the French Community.
The independence of the island was solemnly confirmed on June 26, 1960.
2. The Malagasy Government is headed by a President elected by a
college which includes, in addition to the members of Parliament and of
the General Councils of the Provinces, delegates from the municipal and
rural assemblies. The first President of the Malagasy Republic, Mr.,
Philibert Tsiranana has been in office since May 1959.
3. The Parliament is composed of two chambers:
a. The National Assembly, whose 107 members are elected for a
term of 5 years by direct universal suffrage;
b. The Senate, whose 54 members are chosen for 6 years terms.
Two thirds of the Senators-are elected by the provinces and the local
territorial units, and one third is appointed by the economic, social
and cultural groups.
4. A High Council of Institutions is responsible for seeing that
the laws and regulations are constitutional. Both the President and
-the members of the National Assembly and the Senate may initiate legis­
lation.
5., In each province there is:
-1­