The outcome of the presidential elections held in Guinea in West Africa mark the democratic experiment as having a major impact in shaping the political evolution in the country.

If Guinea’s democratic transition holds it will be the largest democracy as well as secular democracy in Africa. The transition could have enormously important global consequences as Guinea a  land rich in minerals, but the dictatorship of the military rule has thrown the riddled the people in poverty and disgrace.

The military has its authoritarian and intolerant models of governance where democracy remains an attainable prospect. But the first free vote in Guinea suggests that the road to democracy and stability in West Africa will be a smooth one. There have been many aggressive campaigns with candidates hosting rallies.

But it is the defense ministry’s promise to keep the military in the barracks during the period of elections is a favorable sign. According to statistics, over 4.2 million citizens cast their vote successfully in 17 foreign countries including Africa, Europe and the United States of America.

But lately the country’s transition to democracy has been upset by power struggles, riots, and military instigated terror lead by Camara at the Conakry stadium in the month of September during the year 2009. But Camara was hot by an aide and his deputy General Skuouba Konate backed the transition of the governing council and paved the way for a New Constitution in Guinea.

[Source: Al Jazeerah Bureau]