The Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) has strongly condemned what it describes as an “unjust and arbitrary” act by Guinean authorities, after its leader, El Hadj Cellou Dalein Diallo, was barred from registering to vote in Abidjan during the exceptional revision of electoral lists.
According to the party’s communication team, Diallo—currently residing in Côte d’Ivoire—arrived early Wednesday at the registration centre in Treichville.
He was accompanied by Dr Ibrahima Diallo, the party’s federal secretary in Côte d’Ivoire, and presented all required documentation: a consular card, biometric birth certificate, national identity card, a valid passport, and an expired diplomatic passport.
Despite fulfilling the eligibility requirements, his registration was reportedly denied.
Initially, officials cited his non-residence in the commune of Treichville. However, the refusal later appeared to stem from what the party claims are instructions from the Guinean embassy, based on a directive to prevent certain former Prime Ministers—including Sidya Touré, Lansana Kouyaté, and Cellou Dalein Diallo—from being enrolled.
A CARLE (Administrative Commission for the Revision of Electoral Lists) official at the Treichville site is said to have found no legal basis to deny Diallo’s registration.
However, following a phone call with superiors, an embassy representative allegedly shut down the entire centre, even disconnecting registration equipment—leaving dozens of would-be voters in frustration.
In response, Diallo enlisted a bailiff to document the events and collect statements from witnesses on-site.
Later that day, Diallo attempted to register at a second location inside the Guinean embassy.
When contacted, the Guinean ambassador—then in Conakry—reportedly assured him that special provisions would be arranged for former heads of government temporarily residing in Côte d’Ivoire.
The ambassador urged patience and pledged a swift resolution.
In a public statement, the UFDG condemned the episode as “a serious infringement on the civil and political rights” of its leader.
The party described the move as “a blatant violation of Guinea’s Electoral Code and of its international obligations.”
The UFDG also warned that its supporters, along with much of the Guinean public, “will not accept such injustice.”
The incident comes at a sensitive time in Guinea’s political calendar, further deepening tensions between the country’s transitional authorities and key opposition figures, just months ahead of the expected elections.
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