Thousands of opposition supporters have filled the streets of Madagascar's capital to support presidential challenger Marc Ravalomanana's declaration that he will assume the presidency.

Tens of thousands of people once again marched in Antananarivo Thursday in support of Mr. Ravalomanana. The opposition leader says he will oust President Didier Ratsiraka on Friday and assume his rightful place as head of state.

Marc Ravalomanana

Mr. Ravalomanana, who is also Antananarivo's mayor, maintains he won the December 16 presidential election, but that vote rigging by officials deprived him of outright victory.

Government officials have condemned Mr. Ravalomanana's declaration. Prime Minister Tantely Andrianarivo said Thursday plans for a second round of voting to decide the disputed election are still under way. The government has warned it will take all necessary measures to maintain law and order.

Madagascar's Supreme Court has ordered a second round of voting on March 24, a month later than scheduled, to allow for more talks between President Ratsiraka and Mr. Ravalomanana.

The opposition leader has rejected further talks. He says pastors and ministers have urged him to take power and that he is ready to do it.

Talks mediated by the Organization of African Unity, OAU, collapsed Tuesday, but OAU Assistant Secretary-General Said Djinnit said they will resume in the next few days.

Mr. Ravalomanana and his supporters have mounted a general strike and mass protests over the past few weeks, which have paralyzed the country.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

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