Ofure Akhigbe
Vote counting was underway Sunday evening in Guinea following a referendum on a draft constitution that could open the door for the country’s junta leader, General Mamadi Doumbouya, to seek the presidency.
The referendum marks a critical step in Guinea’s transition from military to civilian rule and is being closely watched across the coup-battered West African region. Critics, however, have denounced the move as a power grab.
General Doumbouya, who seized power in September 2021, has faced mounting accusations of using the process to legitimize his military rule. Many of Guinea’s political parties were dissolved last year, while the three main opposition groups were suspended weeks before the vote — preventing them from holding rallies or engaging voters.
Opposition leaders urged a boycott. “I didn’t vote because the coup leaders broke their promises of respecting the country’s laws,” said clothing seller Ibrahima Sory Diallo outside a polling station in the capital, Conakry.
Despite the criticism, the general retains strong support, particularly among young Guineans drawn to his vision of a prosperous, developed nation.
According to the Directorate General of Elections — a new body led by officials elected by Doumbouya — the referendum required at least 50% voter turnout to pass. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and were due to close at 6 p.m., though some stations extended voting hours. Roughly 6.7 million people were eligible to cast their ballots.
Legislative and presidential elections are expected to follow in December. Guinea now joins a growing list of West African states — including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — where the military has seized control.