Supporters of Madagascar's opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana have erected barricades through the capital, Antananarivo, in defiance of martial law as the crisis grows over December's disputed presidential election.

President Didier Ratsiraka declared martial law in the capital last week after two people were reportedly killed in political clashes. The president has named General Leon-Claude Raveloarison, military governor of Antananarivo.

On Sunday, pro-Ravalomanana radio stations announced that the army was coming into the city and told supporters to erect barricades to protect who they called "the rightful president".

News reports say barricades erected by opposition supporters are in place all over the city, guarding access routes to Mr. Ravalomanana's home and to strategic buildings such as the town hall.

Mr. Ravalomanana, who is Antananarivo's mayor, declared himself president on February 22, claiming he won the December 16th presidential election outright. He has accused the government of rigging the votes and refuses to take part in a runoff scheduled for March 24.

However, the country's supreme court says Mr. Ravalomanana did not receive more than the 50 percent needed to win and insists the runoff must be held.

Mr. Ravalomanana named a rival government late last week. And on Saturday, tens of thousands of people gathered in Antananarivo's main square to see his prime minister, Jacques Sylla, present his cabinet.

Mr. Ravalomanana has mobilized his supporters since late January in massive daily protests, and also called a general strike that has crippled the country's economy.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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