Madagascar’s military president, Michael Randrianirina, has decreed that new ministers must undergo lie detector tests to identify and eliminate corrupt candidates, but this decision comes after he dismissed the prime minister and cabinet earlier this month without providing a clear explanation, according to The Guardian.

Background of the Coup and Youth Protests

Randrianirina came to power in a coup in October after weeks of youth-led protests under the banner “Gen Z Madagascar.” The protests initially began in September 2023 against water and power cuts but soon escalated into a demand for a complete overhaul of the political system. According to the United Nations. At least 22 people were killed in the first days of the protests.

The elite military unit Capsat. In which Randrianirina was a colonel, supported the protesters on 11 October; the following day, the previous president, Andry Rajoelina, reportedly fled the country for Dubai on a French military plane. Randrianirina was then sworn in as interim president and has pledged to hold elections by late 2027.

The Lie Detector Mandate

Randrianirina told local media that the government would use a polygraph to conduct background integrity checks on potential ministers. “We have decided to use a polygraph. It is with this polygraph that the background integrity checks will be carried out,” he said. A new cabinet is expected to be announced early next week.

He emphasized that the government is seeking ministers who are “over 60% clean” to ensure Madagascar can finally develop. “We’re not looking for someone who is 100% clean, but over 60%,” he said. This requirement has raised questions about the effectiveness of lie detectors, which are not scientifically proven to be 100% reliable.

Criticism and Skepticism

One of the managers of Gen Z Madagascar’s social media accounts expressed skepticism about the use of polygraphs. “It’s not even scientifically proven to work,” he said. “For me it’s just a joke and embarrassing.” Despite this, he acknowledged that the new regime is already better than the previous one under Rajoelina.

Randrianirina fired the prime minister and cabinet on 9 March. On Sunday, he announced that Mamitiana Rajaonarison, the anti-corruption chief, would be the new prime minister. Both Rajaonarison and Randrianirina have stated that they will only interview ministerial candidates who pass the lie detector test.

Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of just $545 in 2024, according to World Bank data. The island is rich in natural resources, including vanilla and precious gems, which campaigners say have been exploited by officials and corrupt businesspeople. The country ranked 148 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2025 corruption perceptions index.

Impact on Governance and Public Trust

The introduction of lie detector tests is a significant shift in how the government is perceived. While it aims to root out corruption, it has also sparked debates about the reliability of such measures. Critics argue that the use of polygraphs does not necessarily guarantee the integrity of ministers, as the technology is not foolproof.

Gen Z activists, who were instrumental in the protests that led to Randrianirina’s rise to power, are pushing for the government to confirm the date of elections. They have also criticized his appointments for their perceived ties to the previous regime. Despite this, many young people remain hopeful that the new administration will bring about meaningful change.

With the country’s economy struggling and corruption rampant, the new government faces significant challenges. The use of lie detectors may be seen as a symbolic gesture, but its long-term impact on governance and public trust remains to be seen.

What’s Next for Madagascar’s Political Landscape

Randrianirina has pledged to hold elections by late 2027, but the timeline for this remains uncertain. The government will need to address pressing issues such as poverty, corruption, and the exploitation of natural resources to gain the trust of the people.

As the new cabinet is formed, the effectiveness of the lie detector mandate will be closely watched. If the government fails to deliver on its promises, it may face further unrest. The international community is also monitoring the situation closely, as Madagascar’s stability has implications for regional security and trade.

With the country ranked 148 out of 180 in the 2025 corruption perceptions index, the new administration will need to implement concrete policies to improve transparency and accountability. The use of lie detectors may be a step in the right direction, but it is only one part of a larger challenge.