New talks have been scheduled to resolve Madagascar's election crisis even as Marc Ravalomanana is sworn in as president. 

Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade announced Monday that talks are scheduled for next week between Mr. Ravalomanana and his rival, Didier Ratsiraka, who still claims the presidency. The meetings will take place May 13-14 in the Senegalese capital, Dakar. 

Even so, tens of thousands of supporters gathered in the capital, Antananarivo, to witness the swearing in of Mr. Ravalomanana earlier Monday. 

He was declared president a week ago, following a ballot recount conducted by Madagascar's High Constitutional Court. Mr. Ratsiraka rejected the results, calling the court illegal. 

In protest, at least three of the nation's six governors, have declared their independence from Madagascar. 

Last week, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), in an effort to mediate the dispute, urged Mr. Ravalomanana to cancel his swearing-in ceremony. 

The OAU had proposed a transitional government that would include both national leaders, while preparations would be made for a referendum to decide the presidency. Neither side accepted the deal. 

The turmoil began after last December's elections, which Mr. Ravalomanana claimed he won outright. Mr. Ratsiraka called for a runoff, saying the results showed no clear winner. 

But Mr. Ravalomanana instead declared himself president. In response, Mr. Ratsiraka set up a rival government outside the capital in the eastern province of Toamasina. 

Supporters of Mr. Ratsiraka have set up blockades around Mr. Ravalomanana's stronghold in the capital, and have blown up bridges leading into the city to starve it of supplies. 

At least 32 people have died in violence related to the political dispute. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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