Guineans commended for successful poll

  1. Posted on Sunday 19 December 2010 - 09:41
    Samuel
    Image of Samuel
    Samuel Okocha, AfricaNews reporter in Lagos, Nigeria
    The successful elections that put Guinea on the path of democratic rule has been described as an example that other West African countries facing political instability can emulate. Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa, Said Djinnit was full of praise for the country in spite of initial challenges that saw the death of several people.
    Guinea election hopeful Conde cancels peace tour with rival
    “As the dust settles on a most demanding electoral process in Guinea and a new legitimate president is about to assume office, it is appropriate to commend the Guinean people and leaders for this historic achievement,” Said Djinnit told the UN Security Council while presenting a report on peace and stability in the region.

    Guinea’s Supreme Court recently certified the results of the run-off presidential election held on 7 November. Long time opposition leader, Alpha Conde, had won the election which pitted him against the country’s former Prime Minister, Cellou Dalein Diallo. Diallo has since conceded defeat.

    The run-off poll followed the first round of the election in June. It was the last stage of the interim Government’s effort at restoring democracy after Captain Moussa Dadis Camara seized power in a 2008 coup after the death of long-time president Lansana Conté.

    Challenges remain

    Mr. Djinnit, who is also the head of the UN Office for West Africa said challenges however remain elsewhere in West Africa. “The situation in Niger continues to be a work in progress,” he said.

    In February, the military, seized the president and suspended a contested constitution that would have allowed then President Mamadou Tandja to continue in power beyond the stipulated term

    “Evidence from the ground shows promising prospects for a swift return to constitutional order, despite a recent wave of high-profile arrests indicating divisions within the military leadership,” Djinnit told the Council.

    He expressed hope that the process of dialogue in Mauritania and Togo would lead to increased political stability in those countries.

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