Guinea: Francophone Countries Raises Question Over Credibility Of Electoral Register

The international association of French-speaking countries on Monday warned the electoral authorities of Guinea, raising concerns over the electoral register’s credibility in the country’s upcoming polls, reported Africa News.

The warning from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) came just a few days before the Guinea parliamentary elections that are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 1, 2020, after being postponed three times from the original date of January 2019. The people will also vote on Sunday in a referendum meant to bring about changes to the constitution. The opposition has condemned the election as a ploy by President Alpha Conde to stay in office.

According to the OIF, the electoral register included nearly 2.49 million problematic names, including duplicate names, or names of those who were too young to vote or who had died. It has been found that of these 2.49 million, 98 percent do not have documents to enable their identification.

The OIF said the problems were such that it found it difficult to carry out its role of providing support to the electoral process. The body urged the government to avoid further deaths and prevent any risk of escalation.

Earlier this month, the United States also raised concerns over the Guinea government’s plans to hold legislative elections and a constitutional referendum.

The U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo questioned if the election will be free, fair and transparent and accurately reflect the will of all eligible voters. He made an appeal to the authorities to allow for peaceful demonstrations by the public while requesting the opposition to refrain from violence. He also urged all parties to engage in nonviolent civil dialogue.

President Conde’s plan to seek a third term in office has been faced with a lot of massive protests. At least 28 civilians and one security officer have been killed in protests in Guinea since October.