Guinea: Coup leader sets poll date

Capt Camara declared himself president days after the coup The army officer who seized power in a coup in Guinea has said presidential polls will be held on 31 January 2010 and elections for parliament in March. Capt Moussa Dadis Camara took over within hours of the death of Guinea's long-term ruler, President Lansana Conte, in December. He had promised to hold elections this year, saying none of the junta members would stand. Last week his supporters formed a movement urging him to stand. Capt Camara, who declared himself "president of the republic" the day after the coup, has maintained he has no intention of clinging to power. His rule has been characterised by eccentric displays of power - such as forcing members of the elite presidential guard to beg for forgiveness on national TV after they roughed up a veteran soldier. BBC