Protesters stand next to burning tires during a protest in Conakry on March 21, 2020, on the eve of a constitutional referendum in the country. (Photo by AFP)
Clashes broke out between youths opposed to Guineas referendum and those who had come to vote at a polling station in the Conakry suburb of Samatra on Sunday (March 22).
The twin referendum and legislative election poll was maintained despite the outbreak of coronavirus which is gaining pace in Sub Saharan Africa. The opposition has boycotted the referendum because they believe the 81-year old President Alpha Conde will use it to seek a third mandate. His mandate expires in December.
Opposition supporters heeding a call to disrupt the referendum and simultaneous legislative election attacked several polling stations in the capital Conakry, delaying the start of voting in some districts.
Security forces were quick to contain the pockets of unrest and there was no immediate report of significant casualties. The opposition boycott all but ensures the new basic law will be approved when results are announced in the coming days, despite the risk it could trigger wider unrest that would, along with coronavirus, threaten Guineas mining economy.
With the first two cases of the COVID-19 disease recorded in the country, some polling stations required voters to wash their hands before casting their ballot, and radio stations reminded citizens to keep their distance from one another.
At some polling stations, a large turn-out meant crowds were squeezed in line to vote, according to a Reuters witness. Few people wore masks. NetBlocks internet observatory said social media was blocked on the eve of the election. "Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are blocked while WhatApp servers have been partially restricted.
The restrictions continue as of 3:00 p.m. on 22 March, election day, significantly limiting global visibility into events as they take place." their website said.
(Source: Reuters)
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