Based on the recount, Marc Ravalomanana was declared president of Madagascar on April 29. The High Constitutional Court, reviewing election recors from December 2001, said Ravalomanana had beaten President Didier Ratsiraka. Ratsiraka, however, said he believed the High Constitutional Court was illegal. On April 30 the Madagascan province (run by Ratsiraka supporters) seceded from Madagascar.