CONAKRY - Guineans used to decades of authoritarian rule went to the polls yesterday to elect a president in the West African state's first free election since independence from France in 1958.
The run-off vote could mark a turning point for the country.
But experts say there is a high risk of ethnically driven violence if the results are challenged.
The run-up to the vote has been turbulent, with deadly clashes between rival political camps and rows over electoral preparations leading to delays to the decisive second round since the first vote was held in June.
"We are proud today. It has been 50 years with dictators and impunity," said Amadou Diallo, an unemployed resident of the capital Conakry as he headed to vote. "This will change today."
International observers were hopeful electoral officials had laid the groundwork for a free and fair run-off to reduce the chances the results will be rejected by the loser over allegations of fraud.
"I am confident that all that can be done has been done," Said Djinnit, the head of the United Nations Office for West Africa, told Reuters.
The vote will end nearly two years of junta rule since a December 2008 coup, and will come close on the heels of Ivory Coast's October 31 first round of presidential elections, which passed peacefully despite some worries of turmoil.
Guinea's run-off pits former prime minister Cellou Dallein Diallo against veteran opposition leader Alpha Conde - each representing one of Guinea's two most populous ethnic groups, the Peul and Malinke, respectively.
Guineans vote in presidential run-off
CONAKRY - Guineans used to decades of authoritarian rule went to the polls yesterday to elect a president in the West African state's first free election since independence from France in 1958.
The run-off vote could mark a turning point for the country.
But experts say there is a high risk of ethnically driven violence if the results are challenged.
The run-up to the vote has been turbulent, with deadly clashes between rival political camps and rows over electoral preparations leading to delays to the decisive second round since the first vote was held in June.
"We are proud today. It has been 50 years with dictators and impunity," said Amadou Diallo, an unemployed resident of the capital Conakry as he headed to vote. "This will change today."
International observers were hopeful electoral officials had laid the groundwork for a free and fair run-off to reduce the chances the results will be rejected by the loser over allegations of fraud.
"I am confident that all that can be done has been done," Said Djinnit, the head of the United Nations Office for West Africa, told Reuters.
The vote will end nearly two years of junta rule since a December 2008 coup, and will come close on the heels of Ivory Coast's October 31 first round of presidential elections, which passed peacefully despite some worries of turmoil.
Guinea's run-off pits former prime minister Cellou Dallein Diallo against veteran opposition leader Alpha Conde - each representing one of Guinea's two most populous ethnic groups, the Peul and Malinke, respectively.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos