Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Guinea Elections

The Carter Center welcomes Guinea's progress toward holding its historic runoff presidential election, and we urge both candidates, their supporters, and each CENI commissioner to ensure that the constitutional processes are respected to ensure that the will of the Guinean people can be freely expressed.

We commend the Guinean people for the patience they have shown during this extended process and encourage them to remain peaceful and to use the ballot box as their democratic voice.

The Carter Center has maintained its presence in Guinea since May and is an impartial, nonpartisan observer to Guinea's electoral process.

I have been monitoring Guinea's process, and although I can't be with you, know that I wish you well on this historic day.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Attached please find an mp3 file of President Carter's statement for your broadcast use.

The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, the Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers to increase crop production.