Monday, March 16, 2009

Guinean Election Dates Proposed

Guinean election dates proposed

Politicians in Guinea have proposed that elections be held by the end of 2009 to replace the army officers who took power in a coup in December.

If Guinea's military rulers agree, legislative elections will be held in November followed by polls to elect a civilian president in December.

A referendum on proposed changes to the laws of the country is also planned.

Captain Moussa Dadis Camara seized power when President Lansana Conte, who had ruled since 1984, died.

The election dates were proposed by a loose coalition, known as Force Vivre, made up of Guinean political parties, civil society groups and trades union movements.

Scepticism

Capt Camara's National Council for Democracy and Development has promised to stand down and hold free and fair polls by 2010.

In February, the junta leader outlined steps for a transition to civilian rule but stopped short of giving any timing for the elections.

The BBC's Alhassan Sillah, in the capital Conakry, says there has been scepticism that the junta would honour its pledge.

Our correspondent says the ball now appears to be firmly back in Capt Camara's court.

The proposals came before officials from the UN-backed monitoring organisation International Contact Group on Guinea visit the country on Monday.

The group, which also includes African Union (AU) delegates, was set up to monitor Guinea's progress towards a "restoration of constitutional order".

Guinea is to remain suspended from both the and West African regional bloc Ecowas until elections are held.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7941394.stm
Published: 2009/03/13 10:54:41 GMT

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