One Step Closer to Free & Fair Governance in Guinea

Posted July 6, 2010 / , ,
Determining voting results on the night of the election

Guinean voting officials determine votes from individual ballots on the evening of June 27th, when Guineans went to the polls for the country's first multiparty presidential election.

Guinea moved one step closer toward lasting stability as the official results of its historic presidential election were released on July 2nd by the Guinea National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). Out of the 24 candidates that ran for president, two long-standing figures in Guinean politics came out on top: former Prime Minister under the late President Lansana Conté Mr. Cellou Dalein Diallo, who received 39.72% of the votes, and veteran opposition leader Mr. Alfa Condé, who received 20.67% of the votes. The date for a run-off election between Diallo and Condé is set for July 18th, but it may be delayed until later in July or early August to allow governing bodies to deal with the logistical challenges of holding another round of elections in such a short time.

The official CENI elections results for all 24 candidates were released in French and are also available in an automatically translated English version.

In the midst of these successful elections, several promotions were granted to those members of the Guinean military who played key roles in the transition from a military-led government to a government based on constitutional law and led by elected officials. Those promoted include Interim President General Sékouba Konaté, who expressed pride in the military’s support of the elections, noting that the elections could not have happened without the military’s discipline and dedication to Guinea’s future.

Addressing Allegations & Accepting Results
Questions on elections procedures and outright allegations of elections fraud began even before the close of voting stations on June 27th. However, international elections observers declared the elections to be free and fair and a major accomplishment despite technical hitches and the need for an increased level of voter education. Statements from the international community praised Guinea for its transparent elections and encouraged peace in response to the elections results:

Presidential candidates who wish to officially contest the elections results have until July 8th to go to the Guinea Supreme Court, which must then make its ruling within three days. While many candidates are expected to contest the results, they are also asking their supporters to maintain calm in the country – especially after dozens of protesters clashed with security forces. Interim Prime Minister Jean Marié Doré briefly banned political demonstrations protesting elections results in an effort to limit elections violence, and Interim President Konaté called together all 24 candidates on the 4th of July and asked them to help maintain calm in the country.

Moving Forward
The sense in Guinea is that the elections were a true turning point for the historically troubled-country. While hopes for future change are high, Guineans already see their new ability to freely vote as a significant and deeply meaningful shift in their lives. To learn more about how you can support Guinea on its path to lasting stability and its presidential run-off elections, take action today.