in his Senate seat. He departed Madagascar to take up his new post on July 12, 2008. President Ravalomanana was forced out of office through popular protests and military intervention in March 2009; opposition leader Andry Rajoelina assumed the presidency with support from the military. On March 23, 2009, Rajoelina's High Authority of the Transition revoked the appointment of various ambassadors, but it notably left Rakotomaharo in his post. Rakotomaharo was subsequently present at the national conference which began on April 2, 2009, and was promoted by Rajoelina's government; he was invited to attend by the High Authority of the Transition due to his status as a former President of the Senate, and he said that he was representing only himself. His presence, indicating disloyalty to his party, was perceived as a setback to the TIM. Rajoelina appointed Rakotomaharo as vice-president on 8 September 2009; he also appointed a new government on the same date. He ostensibly did so in the spirit of the Maputo agreement between Malagasy political leaders, which called for the creation of a national unity government, but the opposition denounced Rajoelina's appointments, and Rakotomaharo was considered to have completely broken with Ravalomanana. Rakotomaharo is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar. References Merina people People from Alaotra-Mangoro Presidents of the Senate (Madagascar) Malagasy Protestants 1950 births Living people