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ELECTION FEVER IN THE NAME OF DEMOCRACY IN GUINEA
Written by Mariama C. Keita
Journalist & NYU Graduate student specializing in International Relations
CONAKRY – The countdown begins in just less than one week Guinea will hold their first democratic election after gaining independence from the French in 1958. The top three presidential favorites are: Alpha Conde, Cellou Dalein and Sydia Tore. The excitement and campaigning in the streets is non-stop, as cars attempt to dodge endless amount of traffic in heavy populated areas around the city center. On any given day near landmark locations Mouna Café and Madina Market, you can watch a sea of motorcycles campaign through the streets of Conakry. In addition, the radio stations are playing an active role in the political process. Issaitou, one of the popular radio personalities on Cherie FM, hosted a call in hour in English requesting listeners to give advice to the Guinean people on the day of elections. It is with excitement to see this country take on a spirit of reconciliation for the Guinean Massacre on September 28 th, 2009 appears to be a distant memory.
The presidential candidate selection process was rigorous for the specific guidelines helped narrow down the initial pool of over 100 candidates to 24. The requirements are the following: Guinean nationality and must be over 32 years old, in good health and provide a deposit of 400 million Guinean francs (62,000 dollars). The money is deposited and receipt is given by the National Electoral Commission. The final 24 candidates have to win 5% of the electorate or more to be reimbursed; otherwise their money will be forfeited. This process leaves a lot of room for skepticism. Maimouna Keita, a first year student studying telecommunications at Gamal Abdel Nasser University believes, “democracy in Guinea is not possible. Our next president will be who is most popular and has the most money, as oppose to who is best suited for the position.”
In a country that has been plagued with decades of corruption, autocratic rule and poor governance it seems unrealistic for a country to embrace the culture of democracy and “free choice by the people” in one election. In addition, we cannot ignore the ethnic segregation among Guinea’s two dozen ethnic groups. The three dominant groups are: Fulani, Malinke (also known as Mandinka, Mandingo, Manding or Maninka) and Soussou (also called Susu). The Fulani (sometimes called Peul), are the largest single group (40% of the population). Cellou Dalein’s political campaign director believes, “70% of the electoral vote will be ethnic and it will take several successful democratic elections for this mindset to change.” The consensus among many Fulani believe it is there turn to have a newly elected leader come from their ethnic group. The former President Lansana Conte was Susu and Sekou Toure was Malinke.
Despite the infancy stages of Guinea’s transition to a newly elected civilian leader; the international community on the ground and abroad is playing an integral role in maintaining transparency in the electoral process. Ultimately, a successful democratic election is the pre-condition for a new vision for Guinea.