In the first round, former President Didier Ratsiraka took first place with 36.6% of the vote with a turnout of 58.41%.[2] However, as he failed to win more than 50% of the vote, a second round was held, in which Zafy, who had been able to run despite his impeachment, was the sole alternative.[3]LEADER-Fanilo candidate Herizo Razafimahaleo, who took third place with 15.1%, backed Ratsiraka for the second round.[4] Ratsirahonana, the acting President and Prime Minister, who stood as a candidate and received fourth place with 10.1% of the vote,[5] backed Zafy.[3]
In the second round, Ratsiraka achieved a narrow victory. On 6 January 1997, Zafy alleged that vote rigging and irregularities had occurred.[6] Final results confirming Ratsiraka's victory were announced by the High Constitutional Court on 31 January,[7] and he was sworn in on 9 February.[8]