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By NdzeNtuv Evaristus Tunka—Special ReportThe streets in Guinea’s capital Conakry were filled Sunday, as thousands marched to polling stations to partake in the country’s first ever independent and democratic elections. Since it achieved independence from France in 1958, the people of Guinea have seen one military rule take over another; and a corrupt regime that has left Guineans in abject poverty.
When a coup was announced late in December 2008, by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara that the military was once again in control of the nation just hours after the death of President Lansana Conte; most thought it was going to be another déjà vu of what the Guinean people had become accustomed to. It was going to be another military leadership that was going to suppress and oppress the people.
The new junta-calling itself the National Council for Democracy and Development, under the leadership of Captain Moussa was quick to assure Guineans and the rest of the international community, that their leadership for the country would be a transitional one, that will seek to promote and instate true democratic leadership after two years of a transitional government.
That promise came to a realization this Sunday, as Guineans went to polls to elect a new president. As thousand showed up to the polls in each region of the country, you could see the joy, and in some way relief in their faces; you could see the pride as they brandished their ink stained thumbs-an indication of having cast a vote, a vote that would usher into office the country’s first democratically elected leader-one that had no ties to the military, and whose patriotism will see him guide the country to a new era of development and democratic advancement.
The voter turn-out here in Guinea has surpassed expectations. A member of the electoral commission in the Kankan region, which is located in eastern Guinea, told us that from polling returns, about 90 percent of voters had turned out in the region to be part of this historic day. In the country as a whole, the voter turnout is being estimated at over 80 percent.
24 contenders are vying for the top seat, with Cellou Diallo Dalein of the Union of Democratic Forces and 
Alpha Conde, current Assembly leader seeming to be gaining favor with the people. Both Dalein and Conde have through the country’s turbulent times been advocates of a democratic Guinea Republic. Their Charismatic stride during campaigns, and their promise to work for economic and social development could see both men go for a runoff election if there is no clear winner after Sunday’s polls.
Alpha Conde, current Assembly leader seeming to be gaining favor with the people. Both Dalein and Conde have through the country’s turbulent times been advocates of a democratic Guinea Republic. Their Charismatic stride during campaigns, and their promise to work for economic and social development could see both men go for a runoff election if there is no clear winner after Sunday’s polls.While there was some minor turbulence in some areas, during the final hours of voting, the overall atmosphere here was one of peace and calm. Asked if people should be concerned about the last minute fracas between supports of the different individuals vying for office, Konate Diallo, an official at the Mandiana Prefecture said there should be no concerns as the incidences were just that of overzealous supporters, who were gripped with the “spirit of the moment” in this monumental step in the nation’s development.
In some parts across the nation, officials are still taking precautionary measures to ensure that there is no escalation of violent behavior. Also the president of Guinea’s Independent Electoral Commission through a national broadcast, called on all Guineans to be tolerant and accepting of the final outcome of the elections.
He categorically stated that, “while voting has come to an end in all the polling stations, the electoral process was still on play…we still need to count, and announce the results…and we beg on all candidates and supporters to go through the legal process if there is any contention of the election outcome”.
Whatever the outcome of this election, it is clear the people of Guinea are starting a new chapter in their political history; they are building a new nation; and as one voter said-“this day marks the beginning of a Guinea that will be responsive…a Guinea that we can once again stand to die for”. After witnessing a turmoil-filled past, this bauxite rich nation has today taken a major step to alleviate not just poverty, but also to place a lasting stamp on democratic progress amongst African nations.