Guinea's opposition called on its supporters not to exit or do business Friday as a way to shut down the capital, Conakry. The opposition said it's going to hold daily protests against alleged fraud inside the organization of much-delayed legislative elections until the govt consents to dialogue. The movement kicked off Thursday with a march throughout the capital that descended into riots and clashes with security forces that injured a minimum of 30 people.
Downtown Conakry was noticeably calm Friday after opposition leaders told their supporters to remain home. Several shops were closed, and traffic was minimal.
This is among the many strategies the opposition said it is going to use to push for an overhaul of the electoral commission and an audit of the voter list before legislative polls.
The polls are seen because the final step of what have been a tumultuous transition to democracy following the 2008 military coup and 50 years of authoritarian rule.
Many fear disputes over the organization of the vote could lead to a return to instability.
Cosmetics seller Fatimata Diallo said she was unlikely out Friday because she is scared of more violence. She said people were throwing rocks Thursday. Diallo said people were hurt and cars were vandalized. She added that even though the opposition had not called on them to remain home, she don't have gone to work. She said she kept her children home from school Friday besides.
What was meant to be a relaxed opposition march on Thursday sparked violence that shut down the capital until mid-afternoon.
A VOA reporter at the scene said that security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters. The reporter said clashes erupted between protesters and security forces, in addition to between protesters and government supporters, when demonstrators tried to pass in front of the ruling party headquarters.
ReutersGuinea's President Alpha Conde, January 26, 2012. Opposition leaders say they believe the federal government of seeking to rig the vote in favor of President Alpha Conde's party.
Speaking to the gang Thursday, opposition leader Cellou Dallein Diallo asked, "You are not scared of tear gas or maybe bullets, are you?," to which the gang yelled, "No!"
Diallo said the marchers are calling for respect for his or her rights and they will continue to protest until they achieve victory.
A VOA reporter saw no less than 15 demonstrators being treated for injuries to the pinnacle, face and limbs at a clinic inside the capital Thursday. Witnesses said security forces beat protestors with batons.
State police said Friday that 15 policemen were injured to boot.
Guinea has a history of violent, and occasionally deadly, clashes between security forces and protesters.
No date is currently set for the legislative elections, that are already a year late. By law, they ought to were held by May 2011, six months after the inauguration of President Conde. Â
The president again pushed back the polls last week, which have been set for July 8. Mr. Conde cited "technical reasons" regarding voter registration and revision of the voter lists.
The government has not responded to the opposition's demands.
A National Transition Council, installed place in 2010, continues to function the nation's parliament. Guinea last held legislative elections in 2002.
From WhatNewsToday.net
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