UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 001085

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E, AF/FO, INR/AA
PARIS FOR D'ELIA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM PINR MA
SUBJECT: FORMER PRIME MINISTER HEADS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

REF: A) ANTANANARIVO 1063 AND PREVIOUS
B) ANTANANARIVO 715


1. (U) As expected, former Prime Minister and ruling
"Tiako-i-Madagasikara" (TIM) party member Jacques Sylla was
unanimously elected President of Madagascar's National Assembly
October 23 at the body's opening session. The only candidate, Sylla
was approved by all 124 deputies present, with the exception of one
blank ballot. Citing the need to align legislation with the new
constitution for the ultimate realization of the Madagascar Action
Plan (MAP), his inaugural speech called for unity between the three
branches of government. Saying, "There is much work to do," he
encouraged his colleagues to show a more positive image of the
National Assembly in order to regain the people's trust.


2. (SBU) A widely respected politician, Sylla is known as "the
tranquil force" for his quiet leadership style. A tall,
light-skinned man of mixed Franco-Malagasy origin, he is also called
"Vazaha Be" - or "big foreigner." He was considered effective
during his tenure as Prime Minister, largely for his positive
working relationship with the diametrically opposed President
Ravalomanana (REF B). On the one hand, Sylla's quiet demeanor was
said to have a calming effect on the more impulsive President,
however some observers noted he stayed too quiet at times. For
example, he stayed largely silent when the President fired him as
Prime Minister in January.


3. (SBU) COMMENT: Post anticipates a smooth working relationship
between the National Assembly and the Executive Branch. Sylla is
firmly on board with the recent constitutional changes and the MAP
and is in good standing with the President. Also, many of the
independents who won seats in the National Assembly elections have
announced they will align with the ruling party. Observers hope
Sylla's past experience as Prime Minister and background as a lawyer
will bring greater knowledge, efficiency, and leadership to the
Presidency of the National Assembly. END COMMENT.

NEUBERT