Competing Claims of Victory in Guinea Runoff

Both candidates in Guinea’s presidential runoff vote are claiming victory, as tensions escalate in that West African country.

Former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo declared himself the winner at a Monday news conference, just hours after longtime opposition leader Alpha Conde expressed confidence that he had won.

Guinean officials, foreign diplomats, election monitors, and reporters have gathered at the Palace of the People in Conakry to await announcement of the official results.

Earlier, security forces in the capital, Conakry, clashed with pro-Diallo protesters. Witnesses say police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of youths who were throwing rocks and burning tires.

Election observers, as well as Guinea’s military leaders, have repeatedly called for all parties to accept the election results.

But, on Sunday Mr. Diallo said he would reject the final tally if it included two districts where his party says pre-election violence helped hold down his vote totals.

The violence in the cities of Siguiri and Kouroussa drove thousands of people from Mr. Diallo’s ethnic group, known as the Peul or Fulani, from their homes. Mr. Diallo’s party also alleges large-scale fraud in the November 7 poll.

International observers have said the voting appeared to be free and fair.

The election is meant to return Guinea to civilian rule after decades of dictatorship and a two-year military junta.

Mr. Diallo, a former Guinean prime minister, won the first-round election in June, beating 23 other candidates with 44 percent of the vote. Mr. Conde was second in that poll with 18 percent.