On Guinea’s postponed presidential election run-off

On Guinea’s postponed presidential election run-off

ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) has expressed satisfaction with the recently held consultations that culminated in a consensus choice, which led to the appointment of Brigadier General Siaka Toumany Sangaré as President of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) in charge of organizing the second round of the presidential election, in Guinea.

“It is the hope of ECOWAS that this appointment, and that of the two vice-presidents; will provide a lasting solution to the leadership crisis within that body”, stated ECWAS in a press release, No.168/2010, issued in Abuja by the regional body’s headquarters on 25 October 2010. “ECOWAS”, the statement adds; “Has also taken note of the useful consultations that resulted in the postponement of the Second Round of the Presidential Elections, previously scheduled for 24 October, 2010”.

The regional body has also urged all CENI members to strengthen unity and inclusiveness around the new leadership and to collaborate with all stakeholders involved in the preparations for the elections, in order to overcome all identified challenges and thus decide; as soon as possible, on a new date for holding of the second round of the presidential elections; to ensure the best conditions for calm and peaceful polling in Guinea.

Disturbed by the sporadic and recurrent acts of violence that have characterized Guinea’s presidential election campaigns, and in conformity with the spirit of the Protocol on Peaceful Elections signed in on 3 September 2010 in the Burkinabe capital, Ouagadougou, by the two candidates in the presidential election run-off, ECOWAS also reiterated its appeal for calm as well as implored everyone interested in the process and the entire Guinean population to put national interest above ethnic or any other factor.

ECOWAS has, therefore, congratulated General Sékouba Konaté, the Transitional President, for his commitment and leadership in the search for a peaceful solution to the political stalemate that has bedeviled the electoral process in the past few weeks. The regional body has also encouraged General Konaté to continue his invaluable efforts for the successful conduct of the democratic electoral process in Guinea.

“ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to support Guinea in this critical process to ensure a return to political integrity, cohesion, unity and constitutional order in the country”, the statement concluded.

- By MAURICE ARCHIBONG