People in the West African nation of Guinea are casting their ballots in the first democratic parliamentary vote since the country’s independence from France in 1958

The vote has been held after months of delay and unrest which left dozens of people dead. It is also expected to complete transition to democracy after a 2008 military coup which overthrew long-time president, Lansana Conte.

Problems were reported in several polling stations in the capital city of Conakry and its adjacent regions, including a lack of indelible ink and voting cards going missing.

The run-up to the polls was marred by ethnic tensions and violent protests.

More than five million Guineans are eligible to choose 114 National Assembly members. The lawmakers will then replace a transitional council that has been in power for three years.

The president of Guinea Alpha Conde says the election will turn page on years of chaos and uncertainty.

"These elections will allow us to emerge from a chaotic five-year transition," Conde said.

Two main contending parties include an opposition alliance led by the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and a coalition which backs Rally for the Guinean People (RPG) party led by President Conde. Neither of the parties are expected to win an outright majority at the parliament.