 Soon afterward, Zafy was impeached and, on September 5, 1996, Ratsirahonana became acting President of Madagascar.A presidential election was held on November 3, 1996, in which Ratsirahonana ran, taking fourth place (behind Ratsiraka, Zafy and Herizo Razafimahaleo) and 10.14% of the vote.Ratsirahonana backed Zafy in the second round, which was held on December 29, but Ratsiraka narrowly prevailed; Ratsirahonana left office as President when Ratsiraka was sworn in, on February 9, 1997.