Landmark vote runs smoothly in Guinea

Polling passed off peacefully and counting is underway in Guinea’s historic election.

It was the population’s first chance to freely choose a leader since the coup-prone West African state won independence from France in 1958.

One voter said it was the second best day of his life, after his wedding!

“Since morning we have not had any major incidents, of any sort. We have not had any problems, and moreover there are 16 political party representatives observing the proceedings and no party has yet made any major complaints,” said polling station official Mouhamed Toure.

Guinea’s vote is aimed at ending a political crisis that has persisted since a military coup in 2008.

At nearly 73, Alpha Conde is widely considered Guinea’s most respected opposition figure. He is a frontrunner, alongside two former prime ministers Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Toure.

Results are expected by Wednesday, with a run-off expected on July 18th.

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