Guinea’s presidential election was valid, observers have said.
European Union election observers in Guinea have affirmed that the elections were held freely and fairly despite some logistical difficulties, a move that will now boost President Alpha Conde’s quest to stay in charge of the country for another five-year term.
The EU statement came as clashes broke out over Sunday’s election between supporters of the president and the opposition in at least two neighbourhoods of the capital Conakry.
Security forces were reportedly seen heading to the areas but no clarifications were obtained on the weight of the protests.
The results of the elections are yet to be officially announced, though announcements by local radio stations showed thet Conde had gained a sizeable lead over his opponents. Talk is rife however that a second round is still possible.
It is reported that nearly two-thirds of the polling stations opened late because of insufficient materials, even as some never received voting booths at all. Representatives of the political parties were however present in most locations and counts were mostly transparent.
Opposition candidates including Cellour Dalein Diallo on Monday called for the elections to be scrapped due to fraud.
Conde’s election in 2010 ended two years of military rule.
