Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has resigned after he was officially confirmed as a candidate in the Indian Ocean Island nation's presidential elections scheduled for November 9, according to the country's constitutional court.

Madagascar's constitution requires a sitting head of state, who wants to contest a presidential election, to first resign.

Rajoelina sent his resignation letter to the court on Saturday following confirmation of his candidature in the elections, the High Constitutional Court said in a statement late on Saturday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madagascar-president-andry-rajoelina-reportedly-survives-assassination-attempt-399658">Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina reportedly survives assassination attempt</a>

The president of the senate is supposed to assume presidential powers when the head of state resigns but the court said the senate head, Herimanana Razafimahefa, had declined to take over.

"For personal reasons, he will not be able to fully exercise the responsibilities that the office of Head of State requires," the court said referring to Razafimahefa.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madagascar-fm-calls-indo-pacific-a-legitimate-vision-bats-for-peaceful-military-ties-with-india-474163">Madagascar FM calls Indo-Pacific a ‘legitimate vision’; bats for peaceful military ties with India</a>

Instead, the court said, presidential power would now be exercised by the government collectively with the prime minister as the head.

Also on Saturday, Madagascar's High Court published the official list of presidential candidates. Of the 28 contenders, 13 were selected, including Rajoelina and two former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-12-killed-80-injured-in-a-stampede-in-madagascar-capital-antananarivo-629291">At least 12 killed, 80 injured in stampede at stadium in Madagascar capital Antananarivo</a>

Madagascar is hoping for its third peaceful election since the upheaval of 2009, when Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomananain in a coup, prompting an exodus of foreign investors from the Indian Ocean island. 
 
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Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has resigned after he was officially confirmed as a candidate in the Indian Ocean Island nation's presidential elections scheduled for November 9, according to the country's constitutional court.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has resigned after he was officially confirmed as a candidate in the Indian Ocean Island nation's presidential elections scheduled for November 9, according to the country's constitutional court. Madagascar's constitution requires a sitting head of state, who wants to contest a presidential election, to first resign. Rajoelina sent his resignation letter to the court on Saturday following confirmation of his candidature in the elections, the High Constitutional Court said in a statement late on Saturday. ALSO READ | Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina reportedly survives assassination attempt The president of the senate is supposed to assume presidential powers when the head of state resigns but the court said the senate head, Herimanana Razafimahefa, had declined to take over. "For personal reasons, he will not be able to fully exercise the responsibilities that the office of Head of State requires," the court said referring to Razafimahefa. ALSO READ | Madagascar FM calls Indo-Pacific a ‘legitimate vision’; bats for peaceful military ties with India Instead, the court said, presidential power would now be exercised by the government collectively with the prime minister as the head. Also on Saturday, Madagascar's High Court published the official list of presidential candidates. Of the 28 contenders, 13 were selected, including Rajoelina and two former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina. ALSO READ | At least 12 killed, 80 injured in stampede at stadium in Madagascar capital Antananarivo Madagascar is hoping for its third peaceful election since the upheaval of 2009, when Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomananain in a coup, prompting an exodus of foreign investors from the Indian Ocean island. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

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Madagascar president resigns ahead of polls in November

Gravitas: Did Madagascar's president collude with ex-colonial power France?