The past two decades in Africa have shown that the holding of elections is no guarantee for democracy. Independent institutions, military officers who support civilian rule and a determined civil society are the necessary change agents.
There are many examples of successful polls: Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique and Mali are just a few. They stand in stark contrast to elections held in Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire and Zimbabwe.
And sometimes nations that appeared eternally condemned to misrule and military interference unexpectedly buck the trend. The West African nation of Guinea is a case in point, where a Supreme Court acting independently, courageous civic activism and the support of key military officers appear to be leading the way to civilian rule.
The Supreme Court last week confirmed the final results of the first round of presidential elections held on June 27. Opposing candidates had challenged the results, alleging fraud. The court moved quickly to delay the July 18 second-round vote and expeditiously adjudicated the complaints. Upon careful consideration and the execution of due process, the court confirmed that former prime minister and opposition hero Cellou Dalein Diallo had won 43 percent of the vote compared to 18 percent for Alpha Conde. They will face each other in a runoff.
The court's action legitimized what Guinean and international observers called the country's first free and fair election since the country gained independence from France in 1958. The ruling should also encourage all political parties to peacefully participate in Guinean politics through to the next presidential race and beyond.
Additionally, Guinea's brave and determined civil society deserves tremendous credit for refusing to allow the military junta to continue its involvement in politics. Following the death of President Lansana Conte in December 2008, the military seized control of the government and announced its plan to participate in elections. Civil society refused to accede to further military rule and protested under constant threat.
Civil protest reached a crescendo in September 2009 with a mass demonstration in the capital, Conakry. Security forces were sent to the national stadium to quell the disturbance. What ensued was the massacre of at least 150 demonstrators, according to human rights groups. Women and girls were raped openly in the streets, and journalists were harassed and attacked. Among those injured that day was opposition candidate Diallo, a World Bank economist.
The massacre did not deter the pro-democracy advocates. They continued to demand change, but, in the end, they received a boost from a most unlikely segment of Guinean society: the military. The attempted assassination of military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara last December resulted in his departure from Guinea for treatment, setting the stage for more bloodletting or an opportunity for genuine change. An interim military government, headed by General Sekouba Konate, chose the latter, as have a handful of other African military officers, including those involved in historical transitions in Niger and Mali, for example.
The transitional government in Guinea received assistance to support the independent electoral commission, train political parties and prepare civil society. By all accounts the campaign leading up to the first round election was largely free and fair. While there were logistical problems, the independent election commission operated in an open manner and the political parties refrained from violence, intimidation and other obstructionist activities, according to local and international observers.
The next president of Guinea faces herculean challenges. The economy must be re-organized and restored. Mining concession agreements must be reviewed for fairness and accountability. The people need greater access to electricity, water, medicine and food security. Nonetheless, Guinea is off to a good start.
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The last several months have been nothing short of remarkable. They prove that elections alone do not bring about democracy. Without an independent and acceptable judiciary, elections could not be adjudicated; without a free press, voters could not get unbiased reporting on the candidates. Last week, we witnessed not only an effective handling of fraud allegations, but more importantly, we saw the other candidates accept the ruling and a country that appears ready to move on peacefully to the second round.
All this is happening in a nation that has never held a democratic election in its history. Africa and the rest of the world should stop and pay attention to the miracle that could be unfolding in Guinea.
Amos J. Hochstein and Mark C. Clack are with the Washington, DC public policy firm, Cassidy & Associates. They last visited Guinea in June to review regional security and the investment climate.
