Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Agenzia Fides) – The Republic of Guinea is awaiting the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone (or not) the second round of presidential elections to be held Sunday, October 24.
"Consultations with the candidates Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Condé continue," said the INEC Chairman, Malian General Siaka Toumani Sangaré (see Fides 10/20/2010). Sangare has also stated that "the committee overseeing the preparatory acts of the runoff ("Comité de suivi et de l'évaluation des actes préparatoires du second tour") has concluded that the date of October 24 will be difficult to meet."
The heads of the electoral bodies found significant delays in the distribution of electoral material. The INEC has also reported that some computers used to record and monitor the voting process have been stolen from their headquarters.
"The uncertainty on the postponement of the runoff fuels the spread of rumors among the population," a source of the local church tells Fides. "Unfortunately, it is commonplace in a country with widespread illiteracy and with the media still in its fledgling stages."
"However, the situation appears calm, as the various leaders of the country are involved in decision-making regarding the possible postponement of the vote. The court decision could be made the day before the date fixed for the ballot, as has happened before," concludes the source of Fides. The presidential ballot was in fact due to be held September 19 and was later postponed until October 24. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 22/10/2010)
