Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Agenzia Fides) - “The vote took place amidst a festive atmosphere, despite the tensions that preceded the elections," Fides was told by a source from the local Church in the Republic of Guinea, where yesterday, November 7, the postponed second round of presidential elections was finally held. The two contenders are Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Condé.
"There was an overwhelming amount of people who voted, expressing once again the strong desire for democracy and democratic participation among Guineans," said the source of Fides. "There were also interesting anecdotes that bear witness to the spirit in which voters went to the polls. In Madina, an electoral zone in the capital, Conakry, for example, given the high turnout of voters who had gathered in front of polling stations beginning at 6 am, it was decided that women would vote before men, to enable them to return home to prepare lunch for the family."
In recent days, there had been incidents of violence between supporters of the two candidates, raising fears that Guinea could plunge into an ethnic conflict (see Fides 10/29/2010). "The peaceful conduct of the ballot is a good thing, but ethnic tensions have not disappeared like magic. The real test of the solidity of democracy and peace in Guinea will be at the time of the announcement of the winner," said the source of Fides.
"In any case, we must recognize that the two candidates (particularly Sellou who has denounced the particularly provoking words of one of his collaborators), along with the Transition Council, as well as the President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaoré (mediator of the crisis in Guinea), have all worked to calm people and encourage a peaceful vote."
"In particular, the Transition Council, the body that has so far ruled the country and that is to be dissolved once the new President takes office, sent some "peace missions" across the country to explain to the people the meaning the vote."
"Finally, the recent elections in Ivory Coast, which took place after a long wait may have been a positive example for the Guineans. Between Guinea and Ivory Coast, in fact, there are strong similarities and a sense of common belonging, also thanks to a strong presence of a Guinean community in Ivory Coast," concludes the source of Fides. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/11/2010)
