Didier Ratsiraka (born November 4, 1936) was the President of Madagascar from 1975 until 1993 and from 1997 until 2002. Ratsiraka served as foreign minister under Gabriel Ramanantsoa from 1972 until 1975. Ratsiraka, known as the "Red Admiral", came to power in a military coup and in 1976 he began to set up a socialist government, founding the political party Vangard of the Malagasy Revolution (FNDR). In 1989 he changed his party's name to the Arema (Andry sy Riana Enti-Manavotra an'i Madagasikara) (Pillar and Structure for the Salvation of Madagascar). His autocratic rule ended in 1993 when he lost elections to Albert Zafy. Zafy was impeached in 1996, and Ratsiraka achieved a political comeback in early 1997 when he won presidential elections, running as the candidate of the AREMA party, defeating Zafy and Prime Minister/Acting President Norbert Ratsirahonana. November 4 is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 57 days remaining. ... 1936 (MCMXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... This page contains a list of presidents of Madagascar. ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) is a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2002 (MMII) is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A minister for foreign affairs, or foreign minister, is a cabinet minister who helps form the governmental foreign policy of a sovereign nation. ... Gabriel Ramanantsoa (1906 1978) was the President and Prime Minister of Madagascar from 1972 to 1975. ... A coup détat, or simply a coup, is the sudden overthrow of a government, usually done by a small group that just replaces the top power figures. ... The color red and particularly the red flag are traditional symbols of Socialism. ... Albert Zafy (born 1927) is a Malagasy political figure. ... Norbert Lala Ratsirahonana (born November 18, 1938) was a Madagascan politician. ...

By 2001, however, Ratsiraka had become widely unpopular again. He was defeated in elections that year by Marc Ravalomanana 48%-44%. A runoff was to take place, but disputes over the election caused it to be canceled. Both Ratsiraka and Ravalomanana claimed to have won over 50% of the vote. Both were sworn in on February 22, 2002, and the two governments fought for control of the country. By the end of February 2002, Ravalomanana had complete control over the capital, which had always been his base, but Ratsiraka maintained control over most of the provinces. However, within a few months Ravalomanana had gained the upper hand in a struggle, and after losing control of most of the provinces Ratsiraka fled the country on July 5, 2002. Marc Ravalomanana (born December 12, 1949) is a Malagasy politician. ... February 22 is the 53rd day of every year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2002 (MMII) is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... July 5 is the 186th day of the year (187th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 179 days remaining. ... 2002 (MMII) is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...