U.S., France urge Guinea not to delay next Sunday's second round of elections

U.S., France urge Guinea not to delay next Sunday's second round of elections

2010-11-06 04:51:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The United States and France on Friday urged Guinea to hold the second round of presidential elections on Sunday, without further delay and as expressed by the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, and the European Union.

"The continued delay of the electoral process only hurts the people of Guinea, undermines the democratic transition and opens the door for anti-democratic forces. It also slows down Guinea’s prospects for greater economic development and prosperity. This situation must end," the joint statement read.

The first round of elections held last June in Guinea were the first democratic vote since the country's independence in 1958. However, two candidates garnered the highest number of votes and needed another round to determine a winner.

The run off will confront Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Condé in order to determine the new president of Guinea. Diallo is seen as the favorite but his rival, veteran opposition leader Condé, claims he was defrauded of some 600,000 votes in the first round.

Guinean authorities selected November 7 as the date in which the second round will take place. Originally, the run off was scheduled for October 24 but it was canceled by the independent electoral authority.

France and the U.S. also voiced their concern towards recent reports that indicate ethnic-based violence and unrest in Guinea during the last two weeks. The two nations also urged Guinean authorities to continue restraining the use of excessive force.

The two world powers also praised President Compaoré unceasing efforts towards Guinean transition and also his initiative in Conarky in which he called the two candidates, Diallo and Condé, to abide by the Ouagadougou code of conduct.

"All Guineans must place the national interests of Guinea above their own personal, ethnic or political considerations and ban for good ethnic-based provocations or acts of harassment that could incite violence. Only reconciliation will allow the birth of a new Guinea. It is the duty of both presidential candidates to pave the way for an exemplary and historical ballot."

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