The electoral competition in Guinea's Tougué prefecture has been marred by a controversy over the validity of the independent list Tougué Moderne et Développement (TMD), led by Mamadou Fadia Baldé, a former member of the Conseil National de Transition (CNT) and electoral expert. The list has been questioned due to the initial registration of a substitute who did not meet the legal age requirement of 40 years as stipulated by the electoral code.
According to Aliou Konah Baldé, a resident of Tougué, the TMD list was formed after Fadia Baldé was not selected as the Génération pour la Modernité et le Développement (GMD) candidate for the senatorials in Tougué. The GMD, which backed President Mamadi Doumbouya, had selected Lamine Parisien Baldé as its candidate, but Fadia Baldé decided to run as an independent. Aliou Konah Baldé stated that Fadia Baldé, as an electoral expert, should have been aware of the legal requirements for candidacy.
The controversy centers on the age of the substitute chosen by Fadia Baldé, which Aliou Konah Baldé described as an inexcusable error for someone with Fadia Baldé's experience in electoral matters. Fadia Baldé allegedly attempted to modify his dossier after the deadline, but the local commission informed him that it was too late, and he would have to appeal to the national commission. Aliou Konah Baldé claimed that Fadia Baldé then went to Conakry to try to register a new substitute, but the deadline had already passed.
Aliou Konah Baldé emphasized that the electoral code clearly states that no changes can be made to a candidacy after the deadline has expired. He called on the Direction Générale des Élections (DGE) to apply the law and not consider Fadia Baldé's new dossier. Baldé stressed that the legitimacy of institutions relies on equal application of the rules and that Fadia Baldé, as an expert, should have known and respected the electoral laws.
In response to the allegations, Fadia Baldé stated on November 2 that he had no problems with his candidacy. The DGE has maintained a reserved stance, with an internal source indicating that no official position would be taken until the publication of the final lists of accepted or rejected candidatures.
The controversy has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Tougué. Aliou Konah Baldé urged the DGE to be cautious and apply the law in accordance with the electoral code. He emphasized that the articles of the code clearly state that no substitution or replacement is possible after the deposit of dossiers.
The situation remains unresolved, with the DGE yet to make a final decision on the TMD list. The controversy highlights the importance of strict adherence to electoral laws and regulations in ensuring the credibility of the electoral process. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched by stakeholders and the general public.
Key points
- The TMD list led by Fadia Baldé faces controversy due to the initial registration of a substitute who did not meet the legal age requirement.
- Aliou Konah Baldé has called on the DGE to apply the law and reject Fadia Baldé's new dossier.
- The DGE has maintained a reserved stance, with a final decision on the TMD list yet to be made.
