Guinea interim government sets June 27 date for what may be country’s first democratic vote

Guinea sets June 27 presidential election date

CONAKRY, Guinea — Guinea’s interim leaders say a presidential election will be held June 27 in the West African country.

It could be the nation’s first democratic vote, as a coup leader grabbed in power in 2008 and the nation had previously been led by two dictators since gaining independence from France.

The coup leader agreed to go into voluntary exile after he survived an assassination attempt following a massacre at a pro-democracy rally in September.

The transitional government was established with help from international mediators.

Also Sunday, a decree from interim leader Gen. Sekouba Konate said the government has established a national transitional council of 155 members.