Carter Center Announces Guinea Runoff Election Observation Team

GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON TO LEAD CARTER CENTER DELEGATION TO OBSERVE GUINEA'S NOV. 7 RUNOFF ELECTION
 

Media Contacts: In Conakry, Randall Harbour, +224 68 62 57 06; 67 34 41 56; also Deborah Hakes, dhakes@emory.edu; phone until Nov. 3, 225 57 64 07 58; after Nov. 3, 231 (0)880731971.

 

Conakry… Former Nigeria Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and Carter Center Vice President for Peace Programs John Stremlau will lead the Carter Center's international observation of Guinea's Nov. 7 runoff election. The Center's mission will deploy throughout the country 30 observers representing more than 13 nations.

The Carter Center election observation mission has been in Guinea since May 2010, at the invitation of CENI and MATAP. Long-term observers deployed throughout the country to assess election preparations were joined by a delegation of short-term observers for the June 27 first round of elections. 

 

The Carter Center appreciates the ongoing determination and leadership of Interim President General Sekouba Konaté to pilot the transition process in the spirit of the agreement signed in Ouagadougou on Jan. 15, 2010. We also note the important work being done by the monitoring committee set up by President Konaté and Guinean republican institutions, as well as numerous other Guinean and international partners.

 

We commend CENI, MATAP, and their partners for including the political parties at every stage of the electoral process. We believe this inclusive approach to decision-making will help ensure that election results will be accepted by both candidates and their allies. 

 

Guineans stand at the threshold of a new era. As this historic runoff election approaches, the Center urges the candidates and all Guineans to remain committed to a peaceful and inclusive process.

 "A well-organized, transparent, and credible runoff election, with results accepted by all parties, will be a major step toward a promising future for the people of Guinea," said General Yakubu Gowon.

 

While this election represents an important political opening for the people of Guinea, future elections – legislative and municipal elections in the near future – will allow Guineans to continue along the path of democratization and ultimately to fulfill the potential of this beautiful country.

 

Our mission wishes to thank the Guinean authorities and people, who have warmly welcomed our observers in all regions. We stand by you on this historic occasion.

 

The Center's observation mission is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct adopted by the United Nations and endorsed by 35 election observer groups. The Center's assessments of the electoral process are made against Guinea's domestic law and international obligations for democratic elections.