(Image source: BBC)

BY AUSTIN ALONZO

Alpha Conde, a long-time opposition leader, was declared the winner of Guinea’s first democratic election in 52 years.  The BBC reports, his victory has sparked violent protest in Conakry, the capital of the small west African nation.

“Supporters of Cellou Dalein Diallo a former prime minister who came first in the polls a few months ago clashed with security forces on Monday, they warned they would not accept defeat.
‘We cannot accept the results that they proclaimed today. They cheated.’”

According to Voice of America, at least 66 people have been injured in post-election violence since the results of the poll were announced late Monday.

Though the U.S.-based Carter Center and a European Union election group who monitored the elections said they found no major problems with the election.

Diallo said he has evidence of voter fraud across the country and that the police are targeting members of his ethnic group, the Peul.

The vote marks the end of decades of rule by dictators and military juntas, but the election has also reawakened ethnic conflict between Guinea’s most populous ethnic groups the Peul, represented by Diallo and the Malinke, represented by Conde.  

Votes closely followed ethnic lines, and now many Guineas fear the Malinke ethnic group’s government will favor its own while shutting others out as some Guinean presidents have in the past.

Others in the business sector worry that Conde’s government will slow the mineral-rich country’s mining operations.

Bloomberg reported Tuesday morning New York-based DaMina Advisors L-L-P warned its clients…

“Conde’s ambitious populist manifesto calls for drastic increases in tax revenues and a re-write of the country’s mining and hydrocarbons laws... Tensions with miners and local business elites will retard major new investments in iron ore, gold and bauxite.”

Despite the simmering conflict and uncertain future, Conde is calling for national unity.  The Guardian highlights his interview with Radio France Internationale... where he says...

"Time has come to reach out in a spirit of brotherhood to tackle, together and immediately, the numerous challenges the country faces...That will only be possible in a calm atmosphere and with the cooperation of all Guineans."

Conde’s victory has yet to be approved by Guinea’s supreme court, but Daillo will likely begin an appeal before then.

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