"Part of the reason why poverty still persists in our continent is governments inability to work in a bi-partisan manner with the opposition to confront the many problems facing us as a continent. In almost all the advanced democracies a government in power works or listens to the opposition in matters of national importance such as education, defence, energy and the economy. However in Africa such matters are always hijacked by the ruling government to the detriment of the nation and its people". Lord Aikins Adusei

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Friday, July 3, 2009

Ex-premier's party sceptical about Guinean polls


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An official of Guinea's Party for Hope and National Development (PEDN), Sekou Diawara, said in Paris, France, on Thursday that it was "rather unlikely" for general elections to be held in 2009 in his country, noting that 70 per cent of the voters's register were yet to be updated.

"This is no secret: conditions have yet to be fulfilled for free and fair elections in 2009 in Guinea," Diawara, the Secretary for Political Affairs of the France-based Federation of PEDN, a political party founded by former Guinean Premier, Lansana Kouyaté, said during an interview with PANA.

"In addition to the fact that 70 per cent of the register are not updated, there are also logistic obstacles and the challenge for funding these elections," said the politician, envisaging an extension of the military transitional period.

The National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD), led by the ruling jun ta, bowing to international pressure, agreed to organise legislative and presidential polls in the country before the end of 2009.

"To me, it is unlikely to meet this deadline. In any case, PEDN is ready to go for elections, even if they were scheduled for next week," Diawara stressed.

He said Kouyaté's achievements when he served as the country's Prime-Minister made him a "naturally" favourite candidate for the next presidential elections.

"When Kouyaté held the position of prime minister, he gained the stature of a great statesman, as he showed his worth in the management of public affairs, including the construction of new roads, public electrification in Conakry and the use of solar energy.

"He is therefore a valuable contender for the next presidential polls," Diawara added.
Paris -Pana

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