AU commends peaceful elections in Guinea

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Pretoria - The African Union (AU) has commended the people of Guinea for holding peaceful presidential elections on Sunday, despite initial turmoil some days preceding the polls.

“The mass participation and eventual spirit of tranquillity in which the election proceedings were held is a final testament to the Guinean peoples’ understanding of the importance of peacefully exercising their civic rights,” AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said on Tuesday.

Over 6.4 million voters cast their ballots to choose a new president out of eight candidates, including the incumbent President Alpha Conde, who is running for a second term.

Pre-election processes were characterised by violent conflict among various groups, looting and clashes between forces of the incumbent and the opposition, which left the general atmosphere in the country largely precarious and tense.

Dlamini Zuma called on all parties to respect the voice of the electorate and to preserve peace.

“We encourage any individuals or groups with elections-related disputes to seek non-violent and established mechanismS to address them,” she said.

Counting is said to be underway. - SAnews.gov.za