Dozens of soldiers threw a cordon around public square in Madagascar's capital

They later vacated the square, clearing the way for 100 opposition activists to gather, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

Dozens of soldiers yesterday threw a cordon around a public square in Madagascar's capital where opposition protests against new electoral laws have left one person dead in the restive island nation.

They later vacated the square, clearing the way for 100 opposition activists to gather, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

One person died and at least 17 were wounded in clashes on Saturday between thousands of opposition activists and security forces in the same square during demonstrations against new laws the opposition claims favour the ruling party and put in place obstacles to the disadvantage of opponents.

 The large Indian Ocean island of Madagascar is due to hold presidential and legislative elections in late November or December. Authorities last week declared the Saturday protest illegal.