Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina left his post following the confirmation of his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections in November, the country's constitutional court said.
The presidential powers were supposed to be assigned to the Madagascar head of Senate, the country's parliament's upper chamber, Herimanana Razafimahefa. However, according to the court, he 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's statement read.
Instead of Razafimahefa, the country's government with its Prime Minister Christian Ntsay as the head will assume the presidential powers.
On Saturday, the court revealed the list of 13 approved candidates for the upcoming polls, which includes Rajoelina and two former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina.
These elections will be the third since the coup of 2009, which led to the ouster of the former President, Marc Ravalomanana.