Political rallies have been banned in Madagascar?s capital, Antananarivo, and opposition leaders condemned the move as an attack on freedom of association. Antananarivo Mayor Patrick Ramiaramanana said in an address to parliament on Friday ?it is formally forbidden to organise political meetings in Antananarivo,? according to local press. Ramiaramanana is a loyalist of President Marc Ravalomanana?s ruling Tiako-I Madagascar (TIM) party.

Director of social affairs at Antananarivo town hall, Antsa Ranjatoson, confirmed the ban but said he could not give further details. ?The interdiction was a decision by the mayor,? he said. Two weeks ago police in riot gear broke up an attempted opposition rally in the capital during a conference of ministers from 50 countries of the Francophonie organisation, which groups French-speaking states.

No violence ensued but opposition leaders said a demonstration in the capital would go ahead this year, permitted or not. The government has said it fears a rally could turn violent and cause damage to property. ?This is ridiculous,? former president and opposition leader Albert Zafy told Reuters. ?There is no democracy in Madagascar. The government is just scared to hear the truth. If you have support from the people, why fear the opposition?? Ravalomanana swept to office in a people power revolution in 2002 after a disputed election with former incumbent Didier Ratsiraka.