By DAVID GAUTHIER-VILLARS and WILL CONNORS

Guinea is poised to become Africa’s next nation to reintroduce democracy after a long period of military rule, embarking on a transition that has proved halting and problematic for many African countries.

The National Independent Electoral Commission Monday began counting about four million votes cast over the weekend in what international observers described as the first free elections held in the West African country after more than half a century of authoritarian rule.

The vote, said the U.S. Embassy in Guinea in a statement, went “extraordinarily well.” African Union President Jean Ping welcomed the “neutrality” and “republican discipline” displayed by Guinea’s army forces.

Since its 1958 independence from France, Guinea has been ruled mostly by dictators and leaders of military coups. Some are rejoicing that the cycle may be coming to an end.

“For many years, free elections were a dream,” said Abdoulaye Baillo Diallo, an aide to one of the 24 candidates, all civilians, running for president. “Now it has become a reality.”

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LAGOS, Nigeria — Guinea’s military ruler Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara was flown to Morocco for medical treatment on Friday, a day after he survived an apparent assassination attempt, dealing another blow to the stability of the tiny, mineral-rich nation in West Africa.

Guinea’s ruling military junta, the National Council for Democracy and Development, placed troops at the airport and throughout the capital city, Conakry, according to Western diplomats. CNDD officials said the situation was under control.

Capt. Camara was flown out of Guinea on a plane provided by Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, according to a senior aid worker who has spoken with diplomats in Conakry.

Government officials said Capt. Camara was shot by Abubakar “Toumba” Diakite, the commander of the presidential guard and a former top aide. President Compaore, who has been leading international mediation efforts to quell Guinea’s political crisis, said Capt. Camara would need an operation to treat his wounds, Reuters reported.

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