Thousands march in protest

Madagascar's capital Antananarivo came to a virtual standstill on Monday in answer to a call by the opposition for a general strike to protest the outcome of controversial elections in December.

"People gathered at 13 May Plaza in the city," Adama Guindo, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Madagascar told IRIN. "Most economic activities were at a standstill. Shops were closed and public transportation in the city was interrupted." Reports said that peaceful demonstration were also taking place in provincial towns.

The opposition candidate and mayor of the capital, Marc Ravalomanana, called for an indefinite general strike to pressure the government to resign after the December elections, which opposition groups say were rigged. News reports said that hundreds of thousands of people took part in the march, some carrying banners declaring "A second round: Never".

Addressing demonstrators, Ravalomanana called on members of the armed forces and police "to come and swell the ranks of the demonstrators". "You know your responsibilities with regard to the protection of the population," he was quoted as saying.

Ravalomanana claimed he won about 52 percent of the vote in the 16 December poll, while provisional results suggested he only won 46.59 percent, with his opponent President Didier Ratsiraka taking 40.59 percent of the vote. Four other candidates took part in the election.

The High Constitutional Court on Friday confirmed the preliminary results. The decision by the court makes it necessary for a second round of voting to take place.

On Sunday the government announced that the second round of voting would take place on 24 February, with campaigning to begin on 9 February, news reports said.

Meanwhile, reports said that businesses in Madagascar were concerned about the effect the general strike could have, with textile manufacturers particularly affected, fearing customers could cancel orders as a result of the stoppage.

"These businesses will not hesitate for a second to turn their backs on local investors to go to more welcoming environments," Bruno de Foucault an industrialist was quoted as saying.