20100627
africanews

Guineans went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president and reports say turn out was impressive and calm. The election being contested by 24 presidential candidates was the first democratic one since the West African country gained independence.

The poll follows a pledge by military ruler Sekouba Konate to return the country to civilian rule.
He has vowed not to stand or allow any members of his administration to do so.

About 4.2 million Guineans are eligible to vote.

Guinea has been ruled by a succession of military and civilian autocrats since independence in 1958. The army seized power in 2008, following the death of strongman Lansana Conte, who had been in power for more than two decades.

Voting was extended by two hours due to the queues. "Voting is peaceful, orderly and there is a sense of excitement," said Yakubu Gowon, the former Nigerian leader who is heading the observation mission of US-based rights group the Carter Center, according to the Reuters agency.

Gowon estimated a turnout of 75-80%.

The US embassy in Conakry issued a statement welcoming the peaceful voting: "Based on the assessment of local and international observers and our own election monitoring mission, the US embassy believes voting to have gone extraordinarily well particularly in the light of the significant time and logistical challenges."