Guinea Set To Hold First Presidential Election Since 2021 Coup

Guinea will conduct its first presidential election on December 28 since the military takeover in 2021, according to a decree announced on state television.

The decision, which came after the Supreme Court approved a new constitution, seemingly paves the way for coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to move from military junta head to democratically elected president.

This scheduled election represents a crucial turning point in the nation’s political transformation.

The fundamental change making this possible is the recently ratified constitution, which supersedes the transitional charter that had prohibited members of the military junta from seeking elected office.

This development essentially eliminates the legal barrier that would have prevented General Doumbouya from entering the race, although he has yet to announce his plans publicly.

Related: Colonel Assimi Goita Set To Extend Military Rule In Mali

The revised charter also brings substantial institutional changes, most notably increasing presidential terms from five to seven years, with the possibility of one renewal.

Approval process and doubts about turnout

The constitutional referendum was approved by a commanding 89% majority, as confirmed by the Supreme Court, which also reported voter turnout at 92%.

These numbers have, however, been received with considerable doubt.

Opposition figures have challenged the reported participation rate, contending that it contradicts sharply with their own accounts of minimal voter presence at polling locations.

This controversy surrounding the referendum’s credibility raises questions about the legitimacy of the forthcoming election schedule.

Part of a broader regional pattern with global implications

The military coup in Guinea was one of several such interventions throughout West and Central Africa.

The nation now represents a split in regional approaches: countries such as Chad and Gabon have conducted elections to establish a formal transition back to civilian governance, whereas others including Mali and Niger have chosen extended transitional frameworks.

Guinea’s election holds considerable international economic significance, given that the nation possesses the world’s largest bauxite reserves and the enormous, undeveloped Simandou iron ore deposit, which makes its political stability a matter of worldwide economic interest.