ANTANANARIVO, March 14 (Reuters) - Madagascar's opposition said on Saturday it had assumed the powers conferred on the Indian Ocean island's president and would hold elections within two years.

Monja Roindefo, the man named prime minister by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina in a parallel administration, made the remarks ahead of an anti-government rally in the central square of the capital Antananarivo.

"We declare that the transition authority assumes henceforth the powers conferred on the president of the republic," Roindefo told reporters.

There was no immediate government reaction.

AlertNet news is provided by