Guinea’s President Wins Third Term amid widespread Protests

Electoral authorities in Guinea declared President Alpha Conde the winner of Sunday’s election with 59.49% of the vote.

Some citizens who were unsatisfied with the turn of event took to the streets to stage a protest immediately after the announcement was made.

Such demonstrations have occurred for months after the government changed the constitution through a national referendum, allowing Conde to extend his decade in power.

Opposition candidate Cellou Diallo received 33.50% of the vote, the electoral commission said. Voter turnout was almost 80%.

Political tensions in the West African nation escalated as events 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.

They accuse the electoral authorities of rigging the vote for incumbent president Alpha Conde.

At least nine people have been killed since the election, according to the government. The violence sparked international condemnation by the US and others.

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor warned on Friday that warring factions in Guinea could be prosecuted after fighting erupted.