Johannesburg - South African President Jacob Zuma on Saturday in Johannesburg called for a political solution to the crisis in Madagascar.

"It is crucial that there be an inclusive political dialogue, where all relevant parties and stakeholders have an opportunity to be part of finding a solution," the Sapa news agency quoted Zuma saying at the opening of an extraordinary meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state and government.

SADC members are to discuss the breakdown in negotiations between Madagascar's rival parties on the formation of a consensus government.

Zuma is chairing the summit, which is being attended by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Swaziland's King Maswati III, and Zambian President Jakaya Kikwete, among others.

"The foundation to an equitable solution in Madagascar should draw from the constitutional and democractic principles that are enshrined in the SADC Treaty and in the African Union Constitutive Act, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance."

Madagascar has been in turmoil since January, when the opposition, led by Andry Rajoelina, former mayor of the capital Antananarivo, took to the streets accusing the then president, Marc Ravalomanana, of misrule.

Seven weeks later, Ravalomanana, who was democratically re-elected to a second five-year term in 2006, agreed to step aside, under pressure from a section of the military.

Rajoelina was later sworn in as interim president but the international community is refusing to recognize his leadership.

SADC also suspended Madagascar's membership over what it called the "unconstitutional" transfer of power by the military to Rajoelina. (dpa)