President of Guinea’s National Independent Election Commission (CENI) Louceny Camara today announced his resignation on state television.
Reports say Mr. Camara’s imminent resignation was contributed by accusations by Guinean political stakeholders that the electoral commission chief was using his office for delaying the elections.
On a state television, Mr. Camara announced that his intention to step down is in the interest of the nation.
Mr. Camara is seen as an ally of former President Alpha Conde. His resignation reportedly was among the opposition’s demands.
Today, UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA), Said Djinnit, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the region, welcomed Louceny Camara’s declared intention to step down from his position.
The UN official says the announcement was crucial towards resolving the country’s ongoing political stalemate.
The UN official adds as President of CENI as an important step in paving the way towards a new round of legislative elections.
Said Djinnit also encourages all parties to build on this momentum and engage constructively in discussions on the re-composition of the National Independent Electoral Commission.
The UN official also encourages the Guinean stakeholders to reach a compromise on the technical arrangements for the holding of the legislative polls.
Guinea has been in turmoil since Captain Moussa Dadis Camara seized power in a coup in 2008.
In November 2010, the election of Alpha Conde as President was the final stage of an interim Government’s efforts to set the stage for democracy in the country.