News

Guinea : Political players agree on postponing legislative polls (Allafrica)

Guinean political players have agreed to postpone legislative elections previously slated for December, following a meeting Friday in Conakry with Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate.

Guinea junta gets election ultimatum, Daily Nation (2009)

The International Contact Group on Guinea requested the military junta to rule out their participation in the presidential elections scheduled for January 2010.

Guinea Conakry: January 31 election promise "impossible to keep", AFP (2009)

The chairman of the Guinea Conakry electoral commission's concerns on the electoral process echo those of many observers who believe that technically the planned presidential elections in Guinea Conakry (January 31, 2009) will not be able to take place because of a general state of unpreparedness.

Guinean military junta asks opposition to name Prime Minister, Bloomberg Press (2010)

Guinea's interim leader, General Konate, called for the opposition parties to nominate a prime minister to lead a transitional administration which should prepare the country for free and fair elections, which are scheduled for January 31, but will most likely be postponed.

Guineans laud deal on military leader, election plans, The Guardian Newspapers (2010)

The Ouagadougou Agreeement, opening the way for free and fair elections, was signed this weekend. According to the agreement, Guinean junta leader Camara who suffered a bullet wound during an assassination attempt, will remain in voluntary exile and allow his deputy to organize elections, handing over power to civilians. Guinea's interim leader Konate is now to prepare the country for holding democratic elections in six months.

ECOWAS will help Guinea organize credible elections, says official, VOA News (2010)

The Economic Community of West African States has promised to help Guinea with organizing credible elections within the next 6 months. The promise comes after the junta named long-time opposition leader Jean-Marie Dore a prime minister of the transitional government tasked with organizing elections. An international team including ECOWAS, the African Union as well as the UN representatives will arrive in Guinea in the coming days to monitor the political situation.

Guinea's new PM says elections may take time, The Washington Post (2010)

The newly appointed interim Prime Minister and a longtime opposition leader Jean-Marie Dore has recently announced that appointing competent ministers to a transitional government may take some time and therefore the elections may not take place within the 6 months time frame envisioned in the agreement reached last month. However, no definite decisions regarding the date have been taken.

Guinea: Guinea leader Jean-Marie Dore pleads for election funds, BBC (2010)

Guinea newly appointed Prime Minister pleads for funds to finance the electoral process which will put an end to decades of political instability in this West African Country. According to the electoral commission elections could be held later this year.

Guinea sets June 27 presidential election date, The Washington Post (2010)

A presidential election will be held June 27 in the West African country, interim leaders said.

Guinea: Continued Support Crucial as Country Prepares for Democratic Polls - UN Official, Allafrica (2010)

A senior UN official in Guinea said that the country requires continued support from the United Nations and its partners now that the West African country is preparing to transition from military rule to a civilian Government once elections scheduled for 27 June are held.

Guinea says ready for elections in June, Daily Nation (2010)

Guinea, the West African country embroiled in leadership crisis, has said it is ready for elections in June this year. Preparations for the presidential election in the troubled country has been postponed many times in the aftermath of the 2008 military coup.

Guinea’s transitional authorities assure UN that June vote will be on schedule, UN News Centre (2010)

Guinea’s interim President Sékouba Konaté has reassured the United Nations and its African partners that presidential elections will be held as scheduled on 27 June following recent reports of tension among the West African country’s transitional authorities over the electoral process.

Guinea election won't be delayed, says junta chief, Reuters (2010)

Guinea's June 27 presidential election will not be delayed, the head of the West African country's ruling military junta said, amid growing concern that army factions will try to disrupt the vote.

Campaigning starts for Guinea vote amid dispute fears, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the commencement of the campaigns for the presidency in Guinea. There are growing concerns about political violence in Guinea ahead of the June 27 presidential election.

Guinea to uphold 27 June election date, Afrique en ligne (2010)

This article discusses the Interim Head of State's commitment to upholding the June 27 presidential election date. It also discusses some of the challenges in preparing for the upcoming election.

Guinea army chief promises smooth running of elections, BBC (2010)

Head of the military task force set up to oversee the 27 June elections has promised that the army will remain neutral during the elections.

Guinea Army Chief: Military Neutral in Coming Election, VOA (2010)

This article discusses that announcement from Colonel Nouhou Thiam that the army will remain neutral during the upcoming elections. It also mentions technical issues surrounding the election.

Guinea: 24 candidates validated for Guinea's presidential election, Afrique en ligne (2010)

This article discusses the twenty-four candidates cleared to run in the presidential election in Guinea scheduled for June 27.

President election: Guinea's interim leader denies supporting any candidate, Afrique en ligne (2010)

This article discusses the announcement from interim leader General Sekouba Konate he will maintain a role as arbitrator during the upcoming presidential elections and will not declare support for any of the 24 candidates.

Campaigning Underway for Guinea Presidential Election, VOA (2010)

This article discusses the presidential campaigns in guinea, 24 candidates are competing, none of whom are members of the military.

Guinean Military Ruler Orders Army to Help Secure Elections , Bloomberg (2010)

This article discusses the role of the military in the upcoming elections and the announcement from the National Independent Electoral Commission that they will go ahead as scheduled.

Voters' register ready for Guinea presidential polls, Afrique en Ligne (2010)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) have announced that the new voters' register is ready for the June 27 election. In past elections there have been complaints about the accuracy of the list as well as issues with ballot papers.

Guinea:Ecowas to Dispatch 200 Election Observers to Conakry, All Africa (2010)

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will be sending 200 observers to Guinea to observe the June 27th presidential elections.

‘Positive’ Campaigning Seen Ahead of Guinea Vote, VOA (2010)

Observers from the Carter Center have described the campaigns leading up to the presidential election in Guinea as positive and focusing on reconciliation.

SMS Texting Program Allows Guinean Voters to Protect Their Votes, All Africa (2010)

Texting is being used for the first time in Guinea as a tool to monitor the election proceedings across the country. When voters go to the polls on June 27 they will be able to report their experience via sms text.

Guinea holds first democratic poll since independence, BBC (2010)

This article includes a brief summary of Guinea's history since independence and the mostly calm events of election day. Poll hours were extended to accommodate the large turnout.

Guineans Vote in Landmark Presidential Election, VOA (2010)

Guinea will hold presidential elections on Sunday after eighteen months of military rule. There was one incident of electoral violence on Thursday.

Guinea Votes Show Elation in Free Election, The New York Times (2010)

There was a large voter turnout for the mostly peaceful presidential elections in Guinea. The first results of the vote are expected on Wednesday.

Election Observer Calls for Patience During Guinea Vote Counting, VOA (2010)

Election observers have called for patience while the votes are counted in Guinea's presidential election. The constitution allows for 72 hours before the results have to be announced.

Guinea Poll Peaceful; Voter Turnout High, VOA (2010)

There was high voter turnout in Guinea's first free and fair elections since it gained independence in 1958. The results will not be known until Wednesday at the earliest. If necessary a run-off election is scheduled for July 18.

Shortfalls could undermine Guinea vote: observers, Reuters Africa (2010)

Observers from the Carter Center have expressed concern that shortcomings in the administration of the vote and vote counting could undermine the Guinea presidential election.

Party of Guinean contender voices poll complaints, Reuters Africa (2010)

Observers of Sunday's presidential election in Guinea have so far indicated that they are pleased with the conduct of the polls, but one of the major contenders has expressed discontent with delays in vote counting. Some have expressed concern over the amount of time it is taking to count the votes.

Guinea:First election results due amid allegations of fraud , RFI (2010)

The preliminary results in the presidential election are expected Wednesday evening. Leading candidates in the race have alleged electoral fraud, but the electoral commission says the claims are unfounded.

Guinea court gives more time for election result, Reuters Africa (2010)

Due to logistical problems the Supreme Court of Guinea has granted an additional 48 hours for vote counting in the presidential election, results were originally due on Wednesday. In spite of some opposition claims of irregularities international observers have stated that they were generally satisfied with the fairness of the vote.

ECOWAS Urges Calm as Vote Counting in Guinea is Extended, VOA (2010)

The Supreme Court has extended the deadline for election results in Guinea's presidential election. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged calm as the process continues.

Guinea Awaits Sunday’s Election Results Friday After Delays, VOA (2010)

The Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) has confirmed that it will release the provisional results from Sunday's presidential election on Friday. The results were scheduled to be released on Wednesday, but the Supreme Court granted additional time for vote counting due to logistical problems.

Losing candidates Touré and Kouyaté claim Guinea election fraud, RFI (2010)

Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Condé will compete in a run-off election on July 18 as the first round of voting in the presidential election did not produce a clear winner. Some candidates, however, are contesting the results, claiming that electoral fraud hurt their chances.

Guinea poll losers say have challenged some results, Reuters Africa (2010)

The two front-runners from the first round of the presidential election, Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Condé will compete in a run-off on July 18 as no candidate achieved an outright majority. Some candidates have lodged appeals, citing irregularities in the vote.

Guinea election goes to run-off as Diallo falls short, BBC News (2010)

The election results came out on July 2nd 2010, the main candidates who are going for the run off are Cellou Dalain Diallo and Alpha Conde. Alpha Condé's party have indicated that they will challenge some of the results of the first round.

Guinea bans vote protests before court verdict, Reuters Africa (2010)

The caretaker government in Africa has banned participating in public protests ahead of the upcoming run-off election. Some parties are contesting the results claiming there were substantial irregularities, international observers have noted that while there were some logistical problems overall they were satisfied with the electoral process.

Guinean Candidate Expected to File Election Complaint, VOA (2010)

An adviser to Sidya Touré, the candidate who placed third in the first round of the presidential election, has said that Touré will file a formal complaint with the Supreme Court contesting the results.

Guinea security forces break march with tear gas, Reuters Africa (2010)

Security forces dispersed a crowd of protesters using tear gas. The march was to protest alleged electoral fraud in the first round of the presidential elections. The second round, a run-off between Alpha Condé and Cellou Dalein Diallo is scheduled for July 18.

ECOWAS Upbeat about Peaceful, Fair Guinea Election Run-Off, VOA (2010)

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are optimistic about a free and credible run-off between Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Condé in spite of some opposition claims of electoral fraud in the first round. The electoral commission reported that 77 percent of registered votes participated in the first round of the presidential election.

Guinea’s Supreme Court Begins Election Fraud Hearing Friday , VOA (2010)

The Supreme Court will begin hearing official complaints of voting irregularities in the first round of the presidential election. They hope to return their decisions ahead of the run-off election.

As Guinea Moves Forward, the Old Order Has Its Defenders, The New York Times (2010)

On June 27 voters in Guinea participated in an historic election, the first free and fair vote in the country since it's independence from France in 1958, but some with ties to the old administration defend the old system.

Guinea Politician Expects Parties to Accept Court Ruling on Vote, VOA (2010)

Twenty of the twenty-three parties who participated in the first round of the presidential elections in Guinea filed complaints regarding voting irregularities. The second round of the election has been delayed while the court hears the complaints, the parties are expected to accept the court ruling.

Guinea authorities uncover plot to destabilize elections, VOA (2010)

This article reports on the Guinean authorities investigation about a plot to destabilize the second round of presidential elections. These elections will be fundamental for the country's democratic process, as they mark the return to a civilian government. The Supreme Court is now re-examining the results of the first round, as candidates denounced irregularities and fraud.

Guinea court confirms first-round election results, Reuters Africa (2010)

The Supreme Court overruled challenges to the June 27 first round election results. Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Condé will meet in a run-off election.

Guineans Ready to Elect New Leader, Says Analyst , VOA (2010)

Following discussions with the run-off candidates Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Condé the National Electoral Commission has proposed that the second round of the presidential election be held on August 14th. The Supreme Court dismissed the claims filed over the first round and confirmed the results.

Diallo Forms Alliance for Guinea Presidential Run-Off, VOA (2010)

Cellou Dalein Diallo has secured the support of the third place candidate from the first round of the election, Sidya Touré. The electoral commission has proposed August 14th as the date for the run-off election between Diallo and Alpha Condé.

Guinea run-off on September 19, Aljazeera (2010)

This article discusses the decision of the Guinea authority to hold run-off presidential elections on September 19. The elections will break 50 years of dictatorship: Cellou Dalein Diallo, an ex-prime minister, will compete against opposition leader Alpha Conde.

Guinea proposes electoral law change that gives gov't access to completed ballots, voter list, Fox News (2010)

This article reports on the interim government's decision to change the electoral law. The new law would allow the government to access the completed ballots and the voter roll. Many observers fear the possibility of manipulation. The new law would be applied in next month's presidential run-off. The interim prime minister would be in charge of transporting ballots from the polls to the counting center and auditing the software used for the electoral list. It is not clear whether or not the new constitutional law will pass.

Guinea's Interim Leader Wants New Decree Before Second-Round Vote VOANews.com (2010)

The transition prime minister Mr. Jean Marie Doré wants to give more power to government in organizing the run off, set for September 19th.

Guinea prime minister denies bias ahead of vote

In order to avoid the mistakes from the first round, the prime Minister of the transition wants to modify the electoral code to have the Ministry of the Territory to supervise the elections along with independent electoral commission. M. Cellou Dalein Diallo the front runner believes that this decision is made to favor his opponent M. Alpha Condé, which M. Jean Marie Doré denies.

Guinea Coup Leader Stays Out of Presidential Run-Off VOA.com (2010)

Cpatain Moussa Dadis Camara does not want to disrupt the ongoing electoral process in Guinea. That is the reason why he is not returning in his country.

Guinea’s Two Presidential Candidates Begin Campaigning Early VOA.com

Right after the date was set, the candidates started to rally support in order to start campaigning for the second round.

Guinea Presidential Candidate Says Local Officials Campaigning for Rival Voa.com (2010)

Following the issues on the having the ministry of territory working with the INEC in Guinea to organise run off, the frontrunner Cellou Dalein Diallo, is accusing the government to be in favor of his opponent, Mr. Alpha Condé.

FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Guinea Reuters Africa (2010)

During the run-off there key issues that need to be watched closely such as : ethnic tension, the conduct of votes, securit and the army.

Candidates open campaigning for Guinea's presidential run-off lasvegas sun (2010)

Mr. Cellou Dalein Diallo et Mr. Alpha Condé have started campaigning for the run-off, after signing an agreement of good behavior for the next election, which is planned on september 19th 2010.

Guinea government officials to meet with candidates after violence, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the difficult political situation in Guinea. The two main candidates, Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Conde, had to suspend their campaign activities after a weekend of violence. A special council of ministers will meet to discuss the next steps. Saturday and Sunday, supporters of the two rivaling candidates engaged in riots and violence. One person died and more than 50 were injured.

Tensions simmer in Guinea after violent pre-election clashes, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the political situation in Guinea. After violence broke out in the weekend, the two main candidates, Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo and opposition leader Alpha Conde, are urging their supporters to avoid further violence.

Convicted Guinea election chief dies in Paris, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the death of the head of Guinea's electoral commission in Paris. Last week, Ben Sekou Sylla was convicted in absentia for electoral fraud in the first round of the presidential elections in the country (June). The second round is scheduled for Sunday, and extra security measures have been adopted after the violence outbreaks in the past days.

Guinea presidential vote hangs in balance, CNN (2010)

This article discusses the political situation in Guinea, as the second round of presidential election approaches. After the death of the head of the electoral commission and the violence in the weekend, the Sunday elections appear troublesome. The head of the EC, Ben Sekou Sylla, was convicted last week for electoral fraud for the first round of presidential elections, a sentence that triggered the violence. One of the candidates, Cellou Dalein Diallo, believes that the poll should be postponed.

Guinea postpones presidential vote, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the acting President General Sekouba Konate's announcement about the postponement of the presidential elections. The poll was scheduled for Sunday, but no new date has been announced. Konate stated that the delay is due to logistical and managerial issues of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Experts believe that this elections is taking an ethnic dimension (involving the Peul and Malinke groups), and the threat of ethnic violence is more serious than ever.

Guinea presidential candidate unhappy with postponed election, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the reaction to interim President General Konate's decision to postpone the elections. Members of the Union of Democratic Forces in Guinea stated that Guineans and the international community are disappointed with this decision. The junta leader, they continued, should have announced the new date to assure the people, as well as the donors.

UN calls for calm as Guinea election postponed, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the response of the United Nations to the postponement of presidential elections in Guinea. The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, is calling for calm, and stated that those responsible for disrupting the transition will be held accountable by Guineans and the international community.

Guinea election date in doubt: main parties, Reuters (2010)

Guinea could miss the October 10 target date for the decisive second round of its presidential election because of the dispute over alleged bias in the election body.

Guinea:Another Delay Possible in Guinea Run-Off Voanews.com (2010)

The second round in the elections in Guinea has been postponed; the date proposed was October 10th. Unfortunately, the change that has been going on at the head of INEC is creating problems among the candidates and is delaying the process of electing the next President.

Guinea’s New Electoral Commission Chief to Answer Fraud Charges voanews.com (2010)

The President of the commission is going to be tried for frauds wich was committed during the 1st round of the elections. He is being accused by Cellou Dalein Diallo.

Guinea election campaign starts quietly, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the beginning of the electoral campaign for the runoff presidential elections in Guinea. The elections were originally scheduled for September 19, but they were postponed to October 10 (and then to October 24) because of some episodes of election-related violence. Front-runner Celou Dalein Diallo received 40% of the votes in the first round, while Alpha Conde only 18%. The poll is the first free elections since 1958, and it will return Guinea to civilian rule.

Konaté calls for coalition government in Guinea RFI (2010)

The president of the Transition Mr. Sékouba Konaté has asked to the 2 candidates, Mr. Cellou Dalein Diallo and Mr. Alpha Condé, to meet and to talk about the outcome of the elections. And Also to have a government of coalition.

Latest Guinea election date in doubt over electoral body disputes, CNN (2010)

This article reports on the possible postponement of the second round of presidential elections in Guinea. The election is scheduled for October 24, but it has already been postponed three times for various reasons. According to some sources, there are political disputes within the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) that prevent the electoral body from working on important technical issues. Last week, twelve CENI members filed a petition to request the dismissal of the commission's head, Louseny Camara.

Guinea moves to halt deadly poll clashes, BBC (2010)

As the presidential election is just a few days away, Guinea has replaced its election chief in a move to tackle rising election related violence.

Guinea presidential run-off election in doubt BBC News (2010)

The Guinean presidential elections might be postponed a third time because of logistical issues.

Fresh doubts over presidential run-off election in Guinea, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates for the runoff presidential elections. According to general Toumany Sangare, the country is not ready to hold the poll and the election could be postponed because of this lack of preparation. The vote has been delayed twice because of fraud allegations and clashes between rival supporters.

Party official concerned about proposed Guinea vote date, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the statements of the Union of Democratic Forces in Guinea (UDFG) about the new date for the runoff election in Guinea (October 31). A party's senior member expressed concerned about the new date, arguing that many Guineans will be disenfranchised. A senior adviser of the leading candidate, Cellou Dalein Diallo, also expressed concerns about this date and the failure to address the reported voter irregularities ahead of the proposed date.

Activist Says Guineans Hopeful of Legitimate Election Outcome Voanews.com

The election in Guinea was in general calm and peaceful, despite some minor incidents.

Guinea votes in its first democratic presidential elections, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the runoff presidential elections in Guinea. On Sunday, voters in Guinea cast their ballots in historic poll. Apart from some delays due to the late arrival of voting materials, voting operations were carried out peacefully and ten million people voted.

Concerns rise as Guinea poll count seen delayed, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the vote counting operations in Guinea. The preliminary results of the runoff presidential election held on Sunday (Nov. 7) could be released 5 days after the poll. A senior official for the national election commission stated that this delay is due to logistical issues: it will take a long time to transport ballots from rural polling stations.

Voters in Guinea await results of presidential runoff, VOA News (2010)

This article reports on the vote counting operations in Guinea. Voters in Guinea are waiting for the results of the Sunday presidential poll, but the Electoral Commission announced some delays. The deadline to announce the results is Wednesday. International electoral observers from the African Union, the Carter Center and the European Union reported a high voter turnout and peaceful voting operations.

Guinea's bumpy road from coup to election, Reuters (2010)

This article presents the electoral timetable that finally ended with the long-delayed presidential runoff elections in Guinea. Since December 8, 2008 (when President Lansana Conte was declared death), until November 7, 2010, the country went through a long and uneven road towards the return of civilian power.

Guinea soldiers vote for civilian president, The Daily Nation (2010)

This article reports on the historic poll in Guinea. Guinea military personnel peacefully cast their ballot for a civilian president. During the December 2008 coup and in the following years, soldiers used violence against the people, but now things have radically changed.

Guineans await presidential election results by holding vigil outside vote count centres Canadian Press (2010)

Guineans wait impatiently the results of the first democratic elections.

Vote Rigging Allegation Mars Guinea Election Results Voanews.com (2010)

The Guinean presidential run off is tense as the candidate of UFDG is worried about vote rigging.

Ivory Coast Sets Presidential Run-Off for 28 Nov Voanews (2010)

The run off of the election in Côte d’Ivoire has been postponed to November 28th for technical and practical reasons.

Partial Results Show Former Prime Minister Leading Guinea Vote Voanews.com (2010)

As results are coming out slowly, Cellou Dalein Diallo is slightly leading the run off.

Guinea electoral commission declares Conde winner of run- off, Xinhua (2010)

This article reports on the final results of the presidential runoff in Guinea. The National Independent Electoral Commission announced that Alpha Conde won the second round of presidential elections with 52.52% of the votes, while his opponent, Cellou Dalein Diallo, received 47.48% of the votes. The voter turnout was lower than expected (67.67%): 2,898, 233 of the 4,270,531 registered voters participated. The Supreme Court will now confirm the results within three days.

Defeated poll candidate Diallo urges Guinea to 'avoid violence', The Wall Street Journal (2010)

This article reports on the initial reactions of the defeated presidential hopeful, Cellou Dalein Diallo, after the announcement of the initial results in Guinea. Diallo made an appeal to all his supporters, and asked them to remain calm and avoid provocation and violence. Meanwhile, Diallo asked the Supreme Court to investigate his complaints of widespread voting fraud (submitted earlier last week) before certifying the election results.

UN urges calm in Guinea after Conde named winner in presidential election, Bloomberg (2010)

This article reports on the reactions to the announcement of the results of the presidential elections in Guinea. The United Nations urged the people of Guinea to accept the results and the victory of Alpha Conde. This election marked the first democratic transfer of power since the country's independence.

UN Security Council deplores violence in post-election Guinea, People's Daily Online (2010)

This article reports on the UN Security Council's decision to condemn the post-election violent clashes in the Guinea. In the aftermath of the announcement of the results of the presidential runoff election riots broke out in the streets. In November 7 poll, Alpha Conde won the election with 52.52% of the votes, while his opponent received 47.48%.

Guinea:Alpha Conde finally wins top job Capital news (2010)

After a long process, Alpha Condé finally won the first democratic elections in Guinea. He won with 52.52% of the voices.

Guinea leader Alpha Conde to be sworn in tomorrow after contested election, Bloomberg (2010)

This article reports on the ceremony to inaugurate Alpha Conde as president of Guinea. Mr. Conde received 52% of the votes and was confirmed by the country's Supreme Court on December 3. The election represented Guinea's first democratic transfer of power since its independence in 1958.

African Heads of State Witness Installation of Guinea President Voanews (2010)

The first democratically elected president in Guinea, Mr. Alpha Condé is going to swear in today. Many African head of states are invited to this ceremony.

EU to give five million euros for Guinea election Rfi (2011)

Following, the presidential election about a year ago, Guinea is getting ready to organize parliamentarian election in November. The European Union is financing up to Five million Euros, in order to organize it.