Polls were due to close at 1800 GMT, with results of the first round not expected until at least Tuesday. Similar clashes this week killed at least three people and injured a few 50.
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Despite the worsening economy in Guinea since Conde’s first presidential victory in 2010 – an election marred by allegations of fraud and post-electoral violence – the incumbent is expected to secure another victory, although the 77-year-old leader will likely be forced into a second round of polling.
Conde, referring to the Ebola outbreak that has ravaged the poor west African country, said: “After the Ebola epidemic, Guinea really needs to unite to get back to moving forward”.
Earlier in the week, one person died and dozens of people were shot and wounded in riots on October 4 that saw supporters of Conde and Diallo face off against each other.
“Generally it isn’t the day of the vote that has problems, it’s the moment when they announce the results”, said Alpha Amadou Bano Barry, sociology professor at Sonfonia University in Conakry.
Guinean Interior Minister Mahmoud Cisse said the election was happening in “peace and calm” after visiting a part of Conakry that is often a starting point for opposition demonstrations. He said his key accomplishments include revamping the army and judiciary, reforms to make mining contracts more transparent in the bauxite-rich nation and the completion of a hydroelectric dam. “Ask that on the streets”, he defiantly declared in an interview.
“The seven candidates will not recognise the results which will be made following an election with anomalies and irregularities”, they said in a joint statement. The country’s political atmosphere is layered with ethnic tensions, as ballots are often cast along ethnic lines and political parties use these divisions in their favor. “I call on Guineans to elect the best”.
Guinea’s president called for calm Sunday when he voted in the country’s presidential election, after days of electoral clashes.
“It’s shameful. Look at this, it looks like a hiding spot for bandits”, said a voter named Diallo, declined to give his last name.
Voting officials said the bus was pressed into service after a school where the ballot was to be held was inexplicably locked up. “Although I prefer Cellou but with the current situation leading to the Election Day in Guinea, I have no hope that he can win because the system is already being manipulated”, he explained.
A European Union observation mission was monitoring the vote.
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President Conde has championed “progress” – such as bringing electricity to more people.
