Guinea’s opposition candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo on Monday declared himself as the winner of the first round of the presidential election held on Sunday, even before the official results have been announced, reported France 24.
The 68 years old Diallo is the main challenger to Guinea’s 82-year-old incumbent President Alpha Conde, who is seeking a third term in office after a constitutional change in March. He was formerly a prime minister under authoritarian leader Lansana Conte.
“Despite the serious anomalies that marred the smooth running of the … election and in view of the results that came out of the ballot boxes, I am victorious in this election in the first round,” Diallo told supporters. “I invite all my fellow citizens who love peace and justice to stay vigilant and committed to defend this democratic victory.”
He did not give any figures to back his winning claim but said the tally was based on information gathered at polling stations by his party, and not on the basis of the official tally being conducted by the national election commission, which has yet to publish results.
The electoral commission said Diallo’s claim were untrue and baseless.
In an interview with Reuters, Mamadi 3 Kaba, a spokesman for Guinea’s electoral commission, said the Independent National Electoral Commission is the only authorized body to give provisional election results and that no political party or any individual can do so. He added that Diallo’s declaration was null and void.
Guinea’s government criticized the opponent leader’s intention to declare victory.
President Conde’s RPG party also released a statement in which it condemned “with the utmost firmness the irresponsible and dangerous declaration” by Diallo. It called for its activists to remain calm.
Guinea’s national election commission is expected to release official voting results by the end of the week. The second round of voting, if needed, is scheduled for November 24.
