Polls have opened in Guinea as the West African nation holds its first free elections since independence more than half a century ago. On the eve of the ballot, the country's junta leader vowed to ensure fairness and transparency, warning a roomful of presidential hopefuls they must help avert violence, according to a report of the Associated Press. Gen. Sekouba Konate is not running in the poll but said late Saturday the nation faces a choice between its dream of democracy and «chaos and instability.»
