Electoral authorities in Guinea has declared President Alpha Conde of Guinea winner of Sunday’s election with 59.49% of the vote, defeating his main rival Cellou Diallo who received 33.50% of the vote.
Many have taken to the streets to protest the announcement accusing the electoral authorities of rigging the vote for incumbent president Alpha Conde.
Demonstrations have also occured for months after the government changed the constitution through a national referendum, allowing Conde to extend his decade in power.
Political tensions in the West African nation turned violent in recent days after Diallo claimed victory ahead of the official results. Celebrations by his supporters were suppressed when security forces fired tear gas to disperse them.
At least nine people have been killed since the election, according to the government. The violence sparked international condemnation by the U.S. and others.
“Today is a sad day for African democracy,” said Sally Bilaly Sow, a Guinean blogger and activist living abroad. The government should take into account the will of the people who have a desire for change, he said.
Meanwhile, International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor on Friday warned that warring faction in the country could be prosecuted after fighting erupted.
“I wish to repeat this important reminder: anyone who commits, orders, incites, encourages and contributes in any other way to crimes … is liable to prosecution either by the Guinean courts or the ICC,” she said.