Guineans go to the polls to choose their president

Guineans are going to the polls today to choose their president for the first time since independence in the history of the country. Voters will decide in second-round voting whether to pick former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo or opposition leader Alpha Condé.

Emmanuel Braun/Reuters

"Guineans and the whole world are watching them, and are expecting from them that they put aside their political rivalry and their electoral quarels," the country's military ruler, General Sekouba Konaté said Saturday night.

"Together, they have to deal with a heavy legacy, with many problem and many missed opportunities. I don't doubt for a minute of their will and aptitude," he added.

Diallo has been leading in the polls-- he won 43 per cent of the vote in the first round, while
Conde came in with 18 per cent.

The two candidates, who come from two ethnic majorities, the Fulani and Mandinke - made a joint call for calm on Friday, after a campaign that was marked by violence between rival camps.

"Both of them need to reach out beyond their political family, need to discipline their supporters, and must understand that they need one another to reconcile the country," said Konaté.

 Provisional results are not expected before Wednesday.