How did Madagascar become autonomous within the French Community in 1958?

In 1958, the French government decided to allow its overseas territories to determine their own political future. This shift followed the establishment of the French Community, an association created by the constitution of the Fifth Republic to replace the French Union.123

On September 28, 1958, Madagascar participated in a referendum in which the populace voted in favor of autonomy within the French Community. Following this result, the autonomous Malagasy Republic was officially proclaimed on October 14, 1958, with Philibert Tsiranana leading the provisional government. This transition occurred after years of political evolution, including the Overseas Territories Law of 1956, which had previously granted Madagascar an executive elected by its local assembly.12