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News
Date:18 Oct 2020
#Guinea votes in tense election as 82-year-old Conde seeks a third term
Guineans began voting in a high-stakes presidential election, with the 82-year-old incumbent Alpha Conde bidding for a controversial third term.
The presidential election comes after more than 90 people were killed during protests against 82-year-old ruler Alpha Conde's bid for a third term in office
People lined up at polling stations and voting began about half an hour ahead of the scheduled 0800 GMT opening.
Conde pushed through a new constitution in March, arguing that it would modernise the country. But the move controversially allowed him to bypass a two-term limit for presidential terms.
After decades as an opposition activist, Conde became Guinea's first democratically-elected president in 2010 and won again in 2015.
Rights groups have become increasingly critical of the president, however, accusing him of veering towards authoritarianism.
Guinea's leading opposition politician, Diallo, 68, now was formerly a prime minister under authoritarian leader Lansana Conte.
Sporadic clashes between rival supporters have broken out across Guinea in recent days, sparking fears of further violence on polling day.
AEP
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