61.   The strike followed weeks of industrial unrest, and was supported by opposition parties including the True Path Party and the Social Democratic Populist Party.

62.   Called by the five main opposition parties and by trade unions, the protest took place with government consent.

63.   In addition there are a number of banned opposition parties operating either underground or in exile.

64.   Opposition parties alleged voter intimidation and irregularities during the election, which was easily won by the PDCI.

65.   Opposition parties continue to accuse the ruling PS of suppression of dissent, in particular by restricting access to the media and by an unfair electoral law.

66.   Legislation providing for the formation of opposition parties was adopted in December.

67.   Opposition parties continued moves towards unity in order to challenge the BDP.

68.   In September it was revealed that the government was soliciting comments from the opposition parties on the election process.

69.   Considerable opposition to one-party rule had also been registered by the churches, the trade union movement and students, as well as by the opposition parties.

70.   The Front for the Defence of Malagasy Socialism, was set up by the government as a counterweight to the new opposition parties.