20101108
africanews

Guineans voted peacefully on Sunday in a presidential run-off election to return the military run West African country to democratic rule. The run-off is between former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo and long time opposition leader, Alpha Conde.

"I am pleased to say that there is peace, there is serenity," Reuters quoted Diallo as saying after casting his vote in the capital, Conakry.

The head of Guinea's electoral commission, Malian General Siaka Sangare, said the vote respected international norms, though expatriate voters in Spain, were unable to cast their ballots because election material had been destroyed.

Election observers

According to election observers, the poll had a high turnout with only minor reports of logistical problems interfering with voting. They subsequently called on Diallo and Conde to sustain the prevailing peace by following due process as they await the election results.

“We now call on the two candidates and their supporters to maintain a calm environment while waiting for the complete and definitive results, and to use only legal means to resolve any disputes,” head of the African Union observer mission, Edem Kodjo said in a joint statement with the European Union and Carter Center observer missions.

Background

Diallo took 44 percent in June's first round while Conde took 18 percent. Conde had complained of fraud which he said affected his score.

The present military regime headed by Sekoub Konate promised to return Guinea to civil rule when he took over from former junta leader Dadis Camara late last year.

The military seized power in 2008 after the death of the autocratic President, Lansana Conte, who had ruled the mineral-rich state for 24 years.