At least half-a-million opposition protesters in Madagascar have marched on the state-run broadcasting facilities in the second day of a nationwide protest strike over last month's presidential elections.

The opposition supporters filled the streets of the capital of Antananarivo Tuesday and then marched on the state television headquarters. They contend that the government monopolizes state media and demand equal air time for opposition presidential candidate Marc Ravalomanana. The demonstration ended when media officials agreed to broadcast an opposition statement. The general strike has been effective enough to close public transportation, the main airport and most businesses. Mr. Ravalomanana, who is also Mayor of Antananarivo, called the indefinite strike to pressure the government to resign, following December elections he claims to have won outright.

He has rejected the High Constitutional Court ruling that ordered a run-off and accused election authorities of rigging the polls in favor of President Didier Ratsiraka.

The opposition has mounted mass protests in Antananarivo over the past three weeks, but the government said Sunday it will proceed with the second round of elections on February 24.

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