20100705
africanews

The presidential election in Guinea will go for a run off after none of the candidates had the standard percentage in the first round on 27 June. The former prime minister, Cellou Dalein Diallo, got 39.72% while veteran opposition leader, Alpha Conde, 20.67%.

The election commission said in all, 24 candidates contested the first round of the elections and voter turnout was 77%.

This is the first democratic election in the mineral-rich West African state since it gained independence from France in 1958.

It has been governed by a military junta for the past 18 months since the death of its long-time leader, Gen Lansana Conte, in 2008.

Court challenge

Alpha Conde's party has said it will challenge some poll results in the courts.

Candidates have until 8 July to contest the results in the Supreme Court, which must then make its ruling within three days.

Diallo served several terms as prime minister under Gen. Conte, who came to power during a military coup in 1984.

Nine months ago, Diallo was badly injured when the military opened fire on demonstrators opposed to the junta.

The second round is scheduled to take place on 18 July, but may be delayed until later in the month or early August for logistical reasons.