Guinea: Ruling RPG party wins local elections /update 10

Event

The results of the February 4 local elections - the first to be held since 2005 - have been released. President Alpha Conde's Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) party came out on top, garnering 1.35 million votes and electing 3284 councilors. The party of former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo - Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) - took 893,000 votes to gain 2156 councilors. A second opposition party, the Union of Republican Forces (UFR), won 190,000 votes for 447 councillors. Although the RPG dominated nationwide, the party lost control of the municipal government of the capital Conakry, a major blow given that the city is home to almost a quarter of the country’s population. Related protests in the coming days cannot be ruled out.

Context

Political violence occurred in the lead up to, during, and following the local elections in Guinea, leading to the deaths of ten people. Opposition members claim that massive electoral fraud was carried out by the ruling party during the vote.

Advice

Individuals in Guinea, particularly in Conakry, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.