/ 16 November 2010

Opposition’s Conde declared winner in Guinea elections

Opposition leader Alpha Conde was early on Tuesday declared the winner in Guinea’s presidential election.

According to preliminary results released by the electoral commission, the 72-year-old had received 52,5% of the votes in the country’s first ever democratic polls.

Former prime minister Cellou Dalain Diallo received 47,5% of the votes.

On hearing the news, Conde spoke of a “historical moment” and a “new era,” reaching out to his opponent and calling for cooperation.

“The time has come to join hands,” he said.

However, the announcement was overshadowed by violence and demonstrations in some parts of the country by disappointed voters.

Fraud allegations
Diallo, who led in first-round voting, has alleged fraud.

Since gaining independence in 1958, Guinea has suffered under authoritarian rule and a series of coups.

After the death of autocratic president Lansana Conte in December 2008, a group of army officers staged a coup. They were condemned around the world after the bloody suppression of a demonstration by opposition supporters.

General Sekouba Konate has led an interim government since January. — Sapa-DPA