Guinea: Opposition Withdraws From Electoral Process

Security forces clashed with protestors in Conakry. (file photo)
25 February 2013

Cape Town — Guinea's opposition party coalition has pulled out of the preparations for the legislative election set for May 12, according to Reuters.

The opposition has also indicated that they may call for nation-wide protests.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the coalition cites dissatisfaction with the electoral commission, delays in the poll date and concerns about the contractors tasked with updating the voter roll.

They claim that the company approved by the National Electoral Commission may manipulate votes and rule in favour of the ruling party, according to Voice of America.

President Alpha Conde the leader of Rally of the Guinean People won a 2010 presidential vote, after two years of military rule brought about by the death of President Lansana Conte in 2008.

Thousands of opposition supporters marched in the streets of Conakry on February 18 to demand fair and transparent elections and protest against the South African company selected to revise the electoral roll, according to AFP.

The official vote should have taken place in 2011 but has been postponed a number of times.

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