President Alpha Condé of Guinea has declared that he will be the candidate for young people and women in the upcoming elections, fixed for October.
The 82-year-old, who is running for a controversial third term that has sparked protests, in a video conference with female political activists on Wednesday said women are important pillars in the society.
“We can’t do anything in Guinea without women. I will be the candidate of young people and women,” Conde told a video conference of female political activists on Wednesday.
Condé, who was first elected in 2010, pushed through a constitutional change in a referendum in March which allowed him to stand for a third term.
The video conference with the women confirmed his party’s announcement that he would seek a third term despite criticism from opponents, who say he is violating term limits.
Conde insists that the new constitution acts as a reset button on the two-term limit, entitling him to two more six-year terms.
Conde’s counterpart in neighbouring Ivory Coast, President Alassane Ouattara will also stand for a third term in October following a recent change of the constitution.