Conakry, Oct 11, 2019 (AFP)
Opposition lawmakers in Guinea on Friday decided to withdraw from parliament after President Alpha Conde sparked speculation he would seek a controversial third term.
The 53 opposition members in the 114-seat legislature denounced what it termed moves by the government to "create a new constitution to remain in power."
Last month Conde, 81, called on the public to prepare for a referendum and elections, stirring talk that he was planning to overcome a constitutional ban on a third term in office.
Conde is a former opposition figure who came to power in 2010, becoming the first democratically-elected president of Guinea, a mineral-rich but poor former French colony in West Africa.
He was re-elected five years later but has questioned two-term limits and cracked down on protests against him seeking another term.
Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana on Wednesday sent Conde a briefing on discussions held over weeks on revising the constitution, which has been vehemently opposed by the opposition.
Opposition MPs also say holding the elections on December 28 is "illegal" and "technically untenable."
The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution opposition group has called for a general strike on Monday throughout the country.
It has also asked mining firms, banks, factories, petrol stations and other private and public companies to "suspend all activities during the strike."
Conde has attracted criticism over the police's deadly use of gunfire to quell demonstrations. About 100 people have been killed since he came to power in 2010, according to the opposition.

Sumber : AFP