On 18th October 2020, Guineans cast their ballots electing Alpha Conde for a third Presidential term. Conde’s victory sparked mixed reactions among his supporters who jubilated and opposition who alleged fraud. Cellou Dalein Diallo, who is Conde’s major rival, claimed there were election irregularities in the polling stations. Together with his party members, they believed Conde would have done anything to manipulate the votes.
Opposition Alleges Fraud
This was after the electoral commission of Guinea rejected their earlier released results, stating they were premature and void. Cellou’s party had tallied the votes in their polling stations and declared him the winner. Authorities reacted to this move and condemned it as a possible cause of ethnic conflict. More so, as Diallo’s supporters already rejoiced in the unofficial results despite the probability of not winning.
As anticipated, Diallo supporters clashed with the police upon the release of official results. The electoral commission had announced Conde the winner with 59.5% of the total votes. Controversies rose after the release. Opposition leaders claimed Conde’s victory was unconstitutional. Therefore, earlier this month, Diallo and the other candidates filed an appeal to the constitutional court.
Court Dismisses Irregularity Claims
However, the constitutional court dismissed the allegations as they had no evidence. It then declared Alpha Conde President-elect in the first round of Guinea elections. The judges of the high court stated that Conde had achieved the majority votes which led to his win.
“Mister Alpha Conde is declared elected in the first round as president of the Republic of Guinea,” said court President Mohamed Lamine Bangoura.
Having given a verdict, its crystal-clear Alpha Conde has six more years to rule. There is no way his opponents are going to challenge the country’s high court.
Also, observers stated that the Presidential elections in Guinea were free and fair. Representatives from African Union and ECOWAS stated that they had witnessed the process which was democratic. Augustin Matata Ponyo, the head of AU in Guinea, told the media that the ballot took place in transparency. Jose Maria Neves, the director of ECOWAS, a west African trade block, also stated that the process was lawful. He urged political leaders to use legal channels to settle their election disputes.
Democratic Backslide
The high court’s verdict might have contributed to democratic erosion in Guinea. Guineans worry as they fear the possibility of ever transitioning to a new government. Critics claim that the incumbent President might have influenced the judge’s decision. The level of democracy in Guinea is gradually decreasing.
The opposition leaders believe President Conde is a man with his best interests at heart. There is a possibility he might rule for as long as he pleases. He is currently reelected after he reset the presidential terms after passing a new constitution.
By renewing the constitution in his favor, many Guineans were aggravated and concerned. The political differences between Diallo and Conde triggered the clashes with police and intercommunal conflicts in the country. It is quite unfortunate Diallo’s attempt to overthrow Conde hit a brick wall.
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