Guinean president urges politicians to accept poll results

Guinea's President Alpha Conde is appealing to both the ruling coalition and the opposition to accept the outcome of the Sept. 28 legislative elections to maintain peace and social order in the West African country. Addressing the nation on the eve of the National Independence Day on Oct. 2, Conde thanked all the Guinean groups as well as the international community for the successful organization of free and fair legislative elections. He said his government's desire is to restore the rule of law and make Guinea a more democratic nation. He also recalled the efforts undertaken by his government to ease the suffering of the Guinean people, through macroeconomic and structural reforms. He urged the Guinean people to ensure that "the country's underground wealth does not cause conflicts, but helps to promote the people's well-being." The electoral commission has postponed the publication of election results citing logistical needs. The polls had been put off several times since Conde was elected in November 2010.