 In 1999, he was elected as Mayor of the city, but the post was suspended in 2002.In the municipal election held on November 23, 2003, Ratsiraka, as the TTS candidate, was victorious, regaining his position as Mayor and defeating Barnest Andriamiarantsoa, the candidate of the ruling Tiako I Madagasikara (TIM).His victory was officially announced on December 8 by the provincial electoral court.