World

Violent demonstrations in Guinea over upcoming legislative elections leave 3 dead

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Anti government protesters burn tyres and place rock barricades in the streets, as they protest against Guinea President Alpha Conde recently announced legislative elections to be held later this year, in Conakry, Guinea, Friday, May 3, 2013. Ongoing protests have left dead and injured demonstrators as opposition parties accuse President Conde of trying to rig upcoming legislative elections. (AP Photo/Youssouf Bah) (The Associated Press)

A Guinea Police vehicle burns after it was set alight by anti government protesters as they protest against Guinea President Alpha Conde recently announced legislative elections to be held later this year, in Conakry, Guinea, Friday, May 3, 2013. Ongoing protests have left dead and injured demonstrators as opposition parties accuse President Conde of trying to rig upcoming legislative elections. (AP Photo/Youssouf Bah) (The Associated Press)

Anti government protesters burn tyres and place rocks in the streets, as they protest against Guinea President Alpha Conde recently announced legislative elections to be held later this year, in Conakry, Guinea, Friday, May 3, 2013. Ongoing protests have left dead and injured demonstrators as opposition parties accuse President Conde of trying to rig upcoming legislative elections. (AP Photo/Youssouf Bah) (The Associated Press)

Relatives and authorities in West African nation of Guinea say three people are dead following violent demonstrations against an upcoming legislative election.

A cousin said Friday that student Cherif Souleymane Diallo died after being shot by a police officer Friday. A second man, Mamady Camara, who was wounded Thursday by a thrown rock, also died. The third victim of the protest-related violence was a police officer killed by demonstrators, according to authorities.

Long-delayed legislative elections have been set for June 30, though opposition to the poll date has prompted a series of demonstrations in Guinea's capital.

Opposition supporters say the date for the vote was chosen without sufficient input from all political parties.

Guinea went through decades of dictatorship and strongman rule before a landmark 2010 presidential election.