Opposition demands action on island's problems

A recent anti-government demonstration in the country's capital could be the first signs of the emergence of a credible opposition to President Marc Ravalomanana's fledgling administration, analysts said on Monday. Last week some 10,000 supporters of the opposition movement, Committee for the Defence of Truth and Equality (CMMR), took to the streets of Antananarivo, accusing the government of not having a "clear programme of action" to address the country's many social and economic problems. Observers told IRIN the protest was significant. During last year's political crisis, which pitted election winner Ravalomanana against incumbent Didier Ratsiraka, the CMMR lent much-needed support to Ravalomanana's campaign. "It is always to the benefit of the country to allow differing opinions to be heard. This first public display of opposition [since Ravalomanana took power] will hopefully encourage a healthy debate over how the country should be governed. This would inevitably foster a greater sense of democracy," civil rights worker Madeleine Ramaholimihaso told IRIN. But while local media acknowledged some of the concerns raised by the opposition movement, an editorial in a leading daily newspaper, L'Express, argued that the real reason behind the protests was dissatisfaction amongst CMMR organisers sidelined by Ravalomanana's government. "Broadly speaking, the concerns raised by the CMMR come from individuals whose only interest is for personal gain," the editorial said. It further dismissed claims by movement leaders that their support during the crisis warranted inclusion in Ravalomanana's cabinet. Meanwhile, opinion on the streets of Antananarivo was divided. "It is important to give credit to those who supported President Ravalomanana during the crisis. Without the support, perhaps he wouldn't have been where he is today," a student told IRIN. But Sylvie Randianajafy, a local trader said: "President Ravalomanana cannot give everybody a position in the government. Here in Antananarivo, many people supported him. I am sure he has chosen people who are competent to do the job."