Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Agenzia Fides) - "We are still experiencing the growing pains a democracy that is emerging, although, unfortunately, with the loss of lives," Fides was told by a Church source in the Republic of Guinea, following clashes on September 11 and 12, in the capital Conakry, which resulted in one dead and fifty wounded. The clashes involved supporters of two rival candidates, Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Conde. To avoid further incidents, the transitional government of Prime Minister Jean Marie Dore decided to ban any public events related to the election campaign, allowing the continuation of the campaign only through radio and television. The root cause of the incident is supposedly the September 9th sentencing of two leaders of the Independent Electoral Commission to one year in prison for alleged electoral fraud. On September 19, there will be a second round of presidential elections. The first round was held June 27 and was won by Diallo (with 43.69% of votes), while Conde won 18.25%.
"There is concern, but we are not on red alert," says the source of Fides, who for security reasons wishes to remain anonymous. "The government response has been positive: the army separated the contenders and the National Transitional Council (known as the CNT) canceled the election campaign until things cool down. The President of the CNT, Rabiatou Serah Diallo, also strongly reiterated that he is determined to make the second round of elections take place regularly. The CNT, formed on February 8, 2010, is the provisional legislative body responsible for managing the transition until the election.
"There are two factors which may have excited the people: the long campaign for the second round and the arrest of the President of the Independent Electoral Commission ordered by the court. As for the first factor, it should be noted that initially the second round was scheduled for August 8, but it was postponed until after the end of Ramadan following complaints regarding the proper conduct of the first round. As for the second factor, it is difficult to know how to evaluate an investigation done by an ordinary court against the President of the Electoral Commission, as their position should technically make them immune from the ordinary courts. This investigation has been organized by someone interested in delaying the process of the second round."
Our source says, however, that there is hope for the future because "the people of Guinea want to vote and, above all, they want peace." (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/09/2010)
