New date set for Guinean presidential runoff

Guinean junta leader Sékouba Konaté has set 7 November as the date for the long-awaited second round in the presidential elections. Meanwhile presidential candidate Alpha Condé has pulled out of a peace tour with rival Cellou Dalein Diallo, saying his supporters were against the regional visit.

Reuters/Joe Penney

The run-off between Condé and Diallo was postponed several times due to political infighting and street violence. The first round took place in June, but results were inconclusive.

The electoral commission this week had proposed holding the second round this Sunday, but Diallo had asked for more time.

The electoral commission's chairman Shack-a Sangaré said on television yesterday that the 7 November date was consensual and irrevocable.

The United Nations, the United States and last weekend's French-speakers' summit have urged Guinea to set a new date as soon as possible to avoid instability.