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Thousands Pray In Support of Madagascar Opposition VOA News 24 Feb 2002 20:01 UTC 
Thousands of opposition supporters in Madagascar gather to pray with their leader in defiance of a security crackdown.
The Associated Press reports opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana held a Christian Bible and sang hymns along with his supporters in the main square of Antananarivo Sunday.
He declared himself head of state on Friday after a two-month standoff with the government over results of the December 16 presidential election. Mr. Ravalomanana claims he won outright and refuses to participate in a runoff with incumbent President Didier Ratsiraka.
Mr. Ratsiraka has imposed a three-month state of emergency, which means he can pass laws by decree.
On Saturday, opposition supporters set up barricades around Mr. Ravalomanana's home in the hillside residential area of the capital, after rumors spread that authorities had ordered his arrest.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.
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