Deadlock as OAU reiterates call for fresh elections

A refusal by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to recognise either President Marc Ravalomanana or former leader Didier Ratsiraka as Madagascar's legitimate ruler, ensured continued political deadlock, analysts said on Monday. "The central organ considered that the elections held in Madagascar on 16 December 2001 did not result in a constitutional and legally constituted government. Consequently, the seat of the Republic of Madagascar [at the OAU] should remain vacant until such time that a government was established," said an OAU communiqué at the end of a key meeting at the weekend. At the OAU emergency meeting in Ethiopia, delegates reiterated their call for free and fair elections, with the assistance of the OAU, the United Nations and the European Union. A political analyst at the University of Madagascar told IRIN: "There is nothing new in what the OAU has come up with this time. It does not take the country forward." The OAU decision, however, is seen as a diplomatic coup for Ratsiraka, who immediately accepted the proposal of the pan-African organisation to hold fresh elections. "At least now we can move toward ending this fighting and work toward bringing the people of Madagascar together under one government," Ratsiraka's spokesman, Jose Andrianoelison, told IRIN. However, the Ravalomanana camp were reportedly disappointed with the outcome. Ravalomanana did not attend the talks but instead was represented by Vice Prime Minister Narisoa Rajaonarivony. "Of course we are disappointed with the OAU decision, especially in view of the worsening situation in the country. We have made significant progress in our struggle for legitimacy," Ravalomanana's spokesman, Raymond Ramandimbilahatra, told the local daily newspaper, L'Express on Sunday. The newly-inaugurated president has gradually gained control of most of the island from forces loyal to Ratsiraka. Until now only the United States, along with Norway and Switzerland, have recognised Ravalomanana as president of the Indian ocean island. The OAU has reserved its endorsement. Meanwhile, two weeks after leaving for France and sparking speculation that he had gone into exile, Ratsiraka returned to the country on Sunday. Speaking in his stronghold of Tamatave, Ratsiraka said that "until there is a legal successor at the head of the country, I remain president," the BBC reported. The veteran leader also denied allegations by Ravalomanana's aides that he had hired two teams of mercenaries to assassinate Ravalomanana at independence day celebrations on Wednesday. Last Wednesday, a Madagascar-bound plane carrying 12 Frenchmen was turned back from Tanzania after French authorities said the men had "suspect intentions". On Friday, Ravalomanana's aides said Ratsiraka had also sent 36 mercenaries from South Africa to kill their leader. But the South African aviation authorities on Monday denied the allegations saying that there had "been no unusual air movements in South Africa." Despite Ratsiraka's return, Ravalomanana officials vowed to continue their string of military advances into Ratsiraka strongholds and seek his arrest, L'Express said. There are now fears that the Ravalomanana government may try to consolidate its position militarily, which could result in increased conflict between supporters of the two men. The political crisis erupted six months ago, after presidential elections. The offical tally gave Ravolomanana victory, but below the 50 percent needed to avoid a second round run-off. He accused Ratsiraka of rigging the vote. The country's High Constitutional Court in April declared Ravalomanana the winner with an overall majority.