Opposition Supporters Demonstrate in Capital
Anti-government activists and priests held a rally, in defiance of a security crackdown, to back a Madagascan opposition leader who had declared himself president.
Thousands of supporters at a Christian service with church leaders in Antananarivo, the capital, prayed for international recognition of Marc Ravalomanana’s declaration that he was head of state.
Demonstrations are banned under a state of emergency imposed by President Didier Ratsiraka on Friday. The opposition accuses the government of rigging December elections.
The government has said it would settle the matter in a March 24 vote.
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