USAID/Guinea: Elections in Guinea

February 20, 2008

youths with Guinea's Flag

Moving towards elections in Guinea

While the population of Guinea has demonstrated its desire for free and fair parliamentary elections, the process of getting these elections underway has met with both setbacks and successes. The election date, originally set for June 2007, has experienced several setbacks due to logistical considerations. Though no firm date has been announced, there have been a number of positive developments that have given the population a degree of hope.

The most encouraging development has been the establishment of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). Created by presidential decree in October 2007, the CENI’s purpose is to oversee the electoral process, ensuring transparency and credibility for the elections. It is an independent institution with legal and financial autonomy.

The following month President Conte signed another law nominating the new CENI’s membership. These include 10 members from majority parties, 10 from the opposition, three members from the Civil Society and two from the administration. The president of the CENI, elected by other members, is Ben Sekou Sylla, a leader in Guinea’s civil society. The CENI is currently working toward establishing office spaces and selecting voting equipment from overseas suppliers.

Proof of election registration

USAID actively supports the democratic process in Guinea. Considering the critical role the CENI will play in Guinea’s elections, USAID will provide $ 200.000 in technical assistance for the CENI as well as training on internal administration and budget management. USAID is also working on voter education, training for women candidates and assisting political parties to understand their role in the democratic process. To increase the capacity of the Guinean government, USAID will provide technical assisting the Ministry of the Interior and Security, the agency charged with implementing elections in cooperation with the CENI.

In addition, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy and Human Rights and Labor donated $600,000 to assist communities to better participate in the 2008 elections.

Story and photo by Francesca Munzi