Pre-election violence in Guinea kills at least 3, injures 50 as UN calls for calm

In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, supporters of UFR presidential candidate Stadia Toure ride on the back of a bus during a political rally in the city of Conakry, Guinea. Political clashes between the opposition and ruling party in Guinea are setting the stage for the country’s second democratic election in more than half a century. The international community watches the West African country, unable to shake the deadly Ebola virus, with concern that ethnic and political tensions brought to the surface in past elections haven’t declined in the past five years. (AP Photo/ Youssouf Bah) (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, smoke rises from a local market during a political rally in support of UFDG presidential candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo in the city of Guinea Conakry, Guinea. Political clashes between the opposition and ruling party in Guinea are setting the stage for the country’s second democratic election in more than half a century. The international community watches the West African country, unable to shake the deadly Ebola virus, with concern that ethnic and political tensions brought to the surface in past elections haven’t declined in the past five years. (AP Photo/ Youssouf Bah) (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, supporters of UFDG presidential candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo react during a political rally in the city of Conakry, Guinea. Political clashes between the opposition and ruling party in Guinea are setting the stage for the country’s second democratic election in more than half a century. The international community watches the West African country, unable to shake the deadly Ebola virus, with concern that ethnic and political tensions brought to the surface in past elections haven’t declined in the past five years. (AP Photo/Youssouf Bah) (The Associated Press)

A hospital official and residents say at least three people have died and some 50 have been injured in pre-election violence in Guinea.

A hospital worker, who insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press, said the deaths and injuries have been caused by violence since Thursday. Opposition demonstrators have clashed with supporters of President Alpha Conde who is running for re-election in polls Sunday.

Mamadou Lamarana Diallo said Saturday he saw an officer open fire on demonstrators, killing his friend, in a Conakry suburb known as an opposition stronghold.

Sharif Bah said on Friday demonstrators clashed near the home of opposition candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo. He said his friend was fatally stabbed.

The U.N. West Africa office head, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, called for calm.