Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina said today that he had the army's backing and was giving the orders during a standoff with the Indian Ocean island's president.
He is urging President Marc Ravalomanana to step down in a crisis that has killed more than 135 people this year and threatens to derail Madagascar's economy.
"Of course it is me who is giving the army orders. I am in permanent contact with them," Mr Rajoelina said.
Mr Ravalomanana has in turn offered a referendum as a solution to the political crisis.
"We must follow democratic principles. If we have to, we will organise a referendum. e are not afraid to do so," he told some 5,000 cheering supporters outside his palace, in a speech relayed live by the local Radio Mada.
The army appears to be leaning away from Mr Ravalomanana, according to some political observers, but there has been no confirmation from the army to back up Mr Rajoelina's assertion he is giving the army orders.
Madagascar's army has remained traditionally neutral during various periods of political volatility since independence from France in 1960. Diplomats are urging it to stay that way.
Mr Ravalomanana defied a four-hour deadline by Mr Rajoelina to step down yesterday and his supporters guarded the presidential palace through the night.
"For now we are waiting for him to resign," Mr Rajoelina added in a telephone interview. "If he doesn't, then we have other options ... I can't say if that means a military intervention."
The opposition leader said he expected important developments within the next day or two. "We will let him leave quietly. I think the situation will evolve within the next 48 hours," he said.
Reuters