Guinea junta chief wins presidency in disputed election

By The Inspirer.

Gen Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president of Guinea after securing an overwhelming majority in a controversial vote, according to provisional results released by the country’s election commission.

The junta leader, who seized power in a coup four years ago, is seeking to legitimise his rule through the ballot.

However, the election has been fiercely criticised by civil society groups and opposition figures, who describe it as a “charade” after his main challengers were barred from running.

A coalition campaigning for a return to civilian rule condemned the process, while opposition candidates alleged widespread irregularities.

On Monday, internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported restrictions on access to TikTok, YouTube and Facebook as Guineans awaited the full results. Although authorities have not commented, critics say the move was intended to curb criticism of the vote.

Provisional results announced on Tuesday showed Gen Doumbouya winning 86.72% of ballots cast in the 28 December election—an absolute majority well above the threshold required to avoid a runoff.

If confirmed, the result would grant him a seven-year mandate. Any legal challenge must be reviewed by the Supreme Court, which has eight days to validate the outcome.

Opposition candidate Faya Millimono said the election was tainted by “systematic fraudulent practices,” citing the expulsion of poll observers, ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. The ruling party and government have yet to respond to the allegations.

When he overthrew then-president Alpha Condé, 83, in 2021, Gen Doumbouya pledged that neither he nor any member of the transitional government would contest future elections.

“As soldiers, we value our word very much,” he said at the time. That promise was later abandoned after a new constitution adopted in September cleared the way for him to run.

Although eight candidates participated in the vote, the exclusion of major opposition parties—including RPG Arc-en-Ciel and the UFDG—left the race largely devoid of heavyweight political contenders.

Gen Doumbouya retains support among segments of Guinea’s youth, but has faced growing criticism for curbing opposition activities, banning protests and tightening controls on the media ahead of the election.

He justified the 2021 coup by accusing the Condé administration of corruption, human rights abuses and economic mismanagement.

Guinea holds the world’s largest bauxite reserves and vast iron ore deposits. Last month, authorities launched the long-anticipated Simandou iron ore project, raising hopes of economic transformation.

Yet despite its mineral wealth, more than half of the population continues to live in poverty, according to World Bank data.