Ofure Akhigbe
Guinea’s capital was alive with activity on Thursday as campaigns closed ahead of a constitutional referendum that could allow coup leader Col. Mamadi Doumbouya to seek the presidency.
Supporters of the military leader marked the final day with Quran readings, reggae concerts, and prayers, while campaign billboards bearing Doumbouya’s image covered public and private buildings across Conakry. Streets were filled with trucks carrying crowds clad in T-shirts and traditional boubous emblazoned with his face.
Noticeably absent, however, was the opposition. Campaign messaging overwhelmingly urged citizens to vote “Yes,” with no organized opposition events reported.
On Sunday, Guinea’s 6.7 million eligible voters will decide on the draft constitution — a key step in the country’s transition from military to civilian rule. For the referendum to pass, voter turnout must reach at least 50 percent.
No campaigning is permitted on Friday and Saturday, in line with electoral rules. A presidential election is expected to follow in December.