Andry Rajoelina, transitional president of Madagascar, has insisted in a newspaper interview that he has popular support and refuses to bow to pressure to hold snap elections.

The 34-year-old took power after the army-backed ouster of ex-president Marc Ravalomanana last week, a move condemned as a coup by Western donors and regional powers which have threatened sanctions.

"One man alone cannot build a house. But... the international community must know that they must respect the popular will. It's the Malagasy people who decide what happens in Madagascar," Rajoelina told the Financial Times.

The paper said he reaffirmed his pledge to stage presidential polls within two years, but refused to bow to demands from donors for swift elections.

Rajoelina also rejected suggestions he took power in a coup, saying: "It was not at all a coup. The high constitutional court has validated this transfer of power."

AFP