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Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Jun 2010 : 21:49:46
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Ahead of Guinea Polls on Sunday The Arrangements and Opinions of Guineans
By Kebba Camara
25-06-10
Guineans residing in The Gambia are also preparing to be part of the forthcoming presidential elections which is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 27th June 2010.
Foroyaa approached the Guinea Consul Mr Mamadou Alpha Sallah Diallo and asked him what kind of preparation is in place for the elections. In response, he said everything is in place and they are only waiting for Sunday for Guineans to go and cast their votes. Mr. Diallo said it is very important for the public to know that all Guineans willing to vote should all assemble at Serrekunda Lower Basic School in the morning. He said elections start by 6am and end at 6pm. He added that the voting number of every voter is written at the bottom of his/her voter’s card. The consul further stated that there will be 13 polling booths, all within the school premises. He stressed the importance of the number on the voter’s card.
He indicated that they are still issuing voters’ cards and will continue to do so at Semega Janneh Hall till Saturday, 26 June. He emphasised that nobody should come to the pooling station without a voter’s card, and that if the name and photograph of a would be voter are not seen in the register that means that he/she is not registered and cannot vote.
The consul also made clear that Serrekunda Lower Basic School is the only polling station and even if one lives in Basse that voter has to come to Serrekunda to vote. Mr. Jallow added that as of 23 June, twelve thousand one hundred and sixty (12,160) nationals had registered to vote in the Gambia. “We have a commission who will oversee the whole elections.”
Mr. Diallo told Foroyaa that they are yet to encounter any problem. “Everything is going on well,” said the Guinean Consul in Banjul. He however said he would welcome any effort by The Gambia Government to ensure that the polling station is fully secure.
When this reporter asked him if no complaints have been made by the Guineans so far, he said, “All the complaints made by the Guineans can be solved by my office.”
Foroyaa also spoke to some Guinean Nationals on Tuesday about the coming elections.
In an interview with Almami Touray a Guinean National residing in the Gambia, he called on all Guineans that are in the Gambia, who are eligible to vote to take part in the election by voting for the candidate of their choice without fear or favour. He however advised that voters should vote for a candidate who is capable and will serve the interest of the country and also ensure that democracy and human rights are respected in Guinea.
Touray opined that the election is not about voting for someone whom you like or are related to but selecting someone capable of moving the country forward, in the interest of the people.
“I am calling on my colleagues that are to vote to maintain discipline during the electoral process,” Touray concluded.
For his part, Alasana Jallow, a businessman at Serrekunda Market started by saying, “We need change and democracy in Conakry.” He asserted that this is possible if the right candidate is elected who is willing and ready to serve Guinea and its people. He added that democracy can only make headway in Guinea if ethnic sentiments are out of the minds of Guineans. He urged all Guineans to vote in peace and avoid ethnic consideration during the election.
For his part, Mohamadou Bobo Bah, also a Guinean, blamed the departure of Guineans from the country on lack of good governance and development even though it is endowed with resources. He hoped for change and called on his fellow compatriots to vote for peace and stability.
Abdoulie Jallow, another Guinean, who yearns for liberty, is delighted that they will soon free themselves from military rule. “We will go out and cast our votes to see that there is change in the way our country is run,” he said with relief.
Source: Foroyaa
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