Madagascar Political Crisis Deepens

VoA 28.04.2002

Madagascar's incumbent President Didier Ratsiraka says he will reject the results of an election recount due Monday.

He made the statements earlier Sunday as he returned to Madagascar for the first time since signing a peace deal on April 18 with rival opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana. That agreement called for a recount of the disputed presidential election. Both men claimed the presidency after a close election in December.

The agreement started to unraveled almost immediately with both sides refusing to follow through on key provisions.

Mr. Ratsiraka called the High Constitutional Court conducting the recount "illegal," and demanded a referendum. Mr. Ratsiraka supporters say it is clear the court favors opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana.

According to the agreement, if neither party emerges a clear victor after the recount, which began early last week, a new vote will be held within six months. The deal also provides for a transitional government until new elections are held.

Madagascar has been in turmoil since since Mr. Ravalomanana, mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, declared himself president on February 22. He alleged the election had been rigged and refused a court-ordered run-off vote, insisting he was the winner.

At least 32 people have been killed in violence related to the dispute.