Madagascar recount rejected

The government of Didier Ratsiraka, the incumbent president of Madagascar, has rejected a vote recount that declared his political rival Marc Ravalomanana president.

The president of the senate, the president of the national assembly and the prime minister said in a statement that they did not accept the recount, which they said went against accords signed in the Senegalese capital of Dakar two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the governor of the city of Tamatave said that four out of Madagascar's six provinces have declared themselves independent and will form a separate confederation to Antananarivo, which is currently run by Mr Ravalomanana.

The sixth province of Fianarantsoa will also join that confederation, he said.

The move will no doubt sharpen fears that the country is sliding into civil war.

Mr Ratsiraka is set to make a full statement on Tuesday, when a team of mediators from the Organisation for African Unity is expected to arrive in the country on Tuesday in the hope of averting violence.

Violence threat

After the recount, Mr Ravalomanana was declared the winner of last December's disputed presidential elections.

The High Constitutional Court (HCC) said that he had received 51.46% of the votes - enough for him to win outright against incumbent President Didier Ratsiraka.

Mr Ratsiraka - who won 35.9% - said he would not accept the new outcome and accused the judges of being biased against him.

The BBC's Alastair Leithead in Madagascar says there is a real threat of increased violence or even civil war.

The announcement of Mr Ravalomanana's election was greeted by huge celebrations on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo, where he has his power-base.

Fears of split

During four months of political deadlock, Madagascar has been split into two parts.

An economic blockade has been imposed on Antananarivo, where Mr Ravalomanana set up his self-declared government, leading to shortages of fuel and other essential goods.

Mr Ratsiraka and his ministers have retreated to Tamatave, which he has declared the new capital.

Before the recount, Mr Ratsiraka's supporters among the local governors threatened to secede, splitting the country into several parts, if Mr Ravalomanana won.

The governor of the northern Antsiranana province has already indicated he plans to "declare independence" for the province, the French news agency AFP reported.

Mr Ratsiraka has so far not responded to the HCC's decision, but our correspondent says that his initial reaction is likely to be stepping up the blockade on Antananarivo.

Crippled economy

Both men agreed to a recount of the votes and to dismantle roadblocks at talks held in the Senegalese capital, Dakar two weeks ago.

The Supreme Court ordered a recount because Mr Ratsiraka had dismissed the judges at the HCC - which announces election results - as campaigning began last year.

About 35 people have died in the violence since the political dispute began and the economy of the island has been crippled.

About 16 million people live on the island, which is situated 400 kilometres (240 miles) off the coast of Mozambique.