🇬🇳 This past weekend, Guinea held its first presidential vote since the 2021 coup that brought General Mamady Doumbouya to power. In a surprising twist, Doumbouya—who vowed to step aside and hand over power by the end of 2024—ended up on the ballot himself.
Initial results released on Monday by Djenabou Toure, head of the General Directorate of Elections, show Doumbouya winning over 80% of the votes in key districts of Conakry, including the city center and the suburbs. He also led in west and southeast regions like Coyah, Boffa, Fria and Nzérékoré, consolidating his grip across the country.
Voter turnout was officially reported at an impressive 85% 🗳️, but critics like the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution called the election an ‘electoral charade,’ citing a boycott by major opposition groups whose leaders were barred from running.
At 41, Doumbouya rose to power in September 2021 by ousting Alpha Condé in a coup. Now, by running for president, he has broken his earlier promise to restore civilian rule by 2024—a move that has left many Guineans questioning the future of democracy in this mineral-rich nation.
As the world watches, all eyes are on Guinea to see if the final results confirm Doumbouya’s dominant lead and what this means for West African politics. Will this election cement his authority, or spark further pushback from civil society? Stay tuned! 👀
Reference(s):
Guinea military chief leads in presidential race: partial results
cgtn.com
