Election Excitement Builds in Guinea

Guinean voter showing off her voter registration card (from usaid.gov/gn)

Guinea’s historic election is only a few days away. 24 candidates will be running for the Presidency in what are set to be Guinea’s first truly democratic elections in over 50 years. 

Excitement is in the streets of Conakry and throughout the country as citizens prepare to exercise their civic rights. A fair and transparent election in Guinea may become an example for other countries in the region who also have upcoming elections. 

The Carter Center launched an election observation mission to Guinea and reported that they are “encouraged by the positive tone of the electoral campaign in Guinea, including candidates’ messages promoting reconciliation and transcending ethnic boundaries, and by the National Electoral Commission’s (CENI) commitment to inclusive elections.” 

Search for Common Ground is also involved in making this electoral process a positive one. Today SFCG Guinea launched our radio synergy project! The ceremony was attended by two ambassadors from the US and France and lead by the president of the national counsel of the transition. Search sent 86 journalists from independent radio stations across the country to observe the elections. The synergy radio station, FM GUINEE 2010, will connect 17 radio stations on Election Day for a special program. 

Great article in the Huffington Post about the elections by Robert Amsterdam. 

 Look for more to follow the Monday election!