Voting begins as Guinea savours free election

CONAKRY (Reuters) - Voters in Guinea went to the polls on Sunday, forming long queues for their first chance to freely elect a leader since the coup-prone West African state won independence from France in 1958.

A smooth election would not only act as a potential trigger for the investment needed to exploit the West African country's vast mineral riches and revive its economy, it could also act as a green light to international donors and lenders. In the wider context a clean vote could also boost pro-democracy movements in a region that has seen a string of coups and tainted elections.

Last September an army crackdown on pro-democracy marchers led to more than 150 deaths and took Guinea close to civil war. Weeks later, junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara was wounded in an assassination attempt by an aide and his Western-backed successor pledged to hand rule back to civilians.

The streets of Conakry were quiet on Sunday, with traffic much lighter than normal, and most people who were outdoors were either calmly waiting to vote or returning from doing so.

Former Nigerian head of state General Yakubu Gowon, leading the Carter Center's election observation mission, said voting was going well.

"In some places it started a little late but it's gathered momentum. Voting is peaceful, orderly and there is a sense of excitement," he said, estimating turnout at 75-80 percent.

"The future president must form a government that unites the candidates, even if not all of them," said Diallo Mamadou Yaya, a 23-year-old student who had just voted in the Dixinn neighbourhood.

He wanted the country's new government to break from the graft and self-interest that characterised the last days of former President Lansana Conte's administration. "Fighting corruption has to be their first priority, it cannot be tolerated. To rebuild Guinea, you have to start with that."

Guinea is the world's top exporter of the aluminium ore bauxite and multinational mining companies are wrestling over its lucrative iron ore resources, yet a third of the population of 10 million live in poverty. Whoever becomes president will have a tough job transforming the country.

"We've tried to talk about the dividends of democracy not washing over the country immediately," said U.S. ambassador Patricia Moller. "This is an important first step in the democratic process."

TURNING POINT

Sekouba Konate, the soldier who succeeded Camara as junta leader and who insists he has no interest in political power, told Guineans they were at a turning point.

"I say to Guineans, it's your choice: freedom, peace and democracy, or instability and violence," he told reporters.

"It's not just a question of electing one candidate, it's a question of creating the conditions to realise our dreams."

Six people were killed in clashes this week between rival political groups in the village of Coyah 50 km (30 miles) outside the capital, but it was the only serious outbreak of violence for weeks.

Final rallies held by candidates in Conakry were noisy but peaceful. Security forces have banned large gatherings during voting and are closing national borders until midnight.

"I am asking the leaders competing in the race to urge their supporters to ... respect republican principles," said army chief Colonel Nouhou Thiam, using a standard formula to urge losing parties to respect the outcome of the vote.

With 24 candidates in the running, Sunday's vote is unlikely to produce a clear winner. Results are expected by Wednesday, after which the front-runners are seen forming alliances in a bid to win voters for a July 18 run-off.

Assembly of Guinean People leader Alpha Conde and Cellou Dalein Diallo of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea are among the favourites.

Both belong to large ethnic groups -- Malinke and Peul respectively -- in a vote that may divide on ethnic lines. Sidya Toure, another top contender, is from the Diakhanke minority.

All have pledged to improve the lot of ordinary Guineans, and some vow to review contracts with foreign firms for bauxite, iron and other resources. Yet analysts say Guinea is aware it needs the mining giants to extract the riches from its soil.

"From whoever wins we want peace first of all and better living standards," said housewife Safiatou Diop, one of hundreds who had queued since before dawn to vote at a polling station in the Sandervalia district of Conakry.

(Additional reporting by Media Coulibaly; editing by Mark John and Matthew Jones)