ANTANANARIVO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The handover of power between Madagascar's incumbent President Hery Rajaonarimampianina and incoming President Andry Rajoelina was held Friday in the capital, Antananarivo, in the presence of acting president Rivo Rakotovao.

Before the power transfer, the three held a closed-door meeting for 47 minutes, and then the acting president left the room and let the other two to continue their meeting for 28 minutes.

The two signed the official documents and shook hands.

Before leaving the presidency, incumbent president Rajaonarimampianina said: "President Andry Rajoelina was elected democratically. This leads to an alternation of power in a democratic way and reflects the republican value."

"We know that democracy in Madagascar is a bit weak and needs to be strengthened. But it is a duty of all, especially the leaders," he said. "All that has been achieved should be continued for the development of Madagascar."

Elected in 2013, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, former finance minister under Rajoelina from 2009 to 2013 when Rajoelina was president of transition, took power from Rajoelina on Jan. 25, 2014. He was dismissed in September 2018 and the power was transferred to the senate chairman Rivo Rakotovao, who led the country temporarily until Madagascar had an elected president.

Rivo Rakotovao will resume his former position as senate president.

Rajoelina was declared winner of the election by the High Constitutional Court with 55.66 percent of votes and will be sworn in as president of the Republic of Madagascar on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. Enditem

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