Guinea has officially announced that its long-awaited presidential election will take place on December 28, marking a major step towards restoring civilian governance after nearly four years of military leadership. The announcement was made through a presidential decree broadcast on state television, and many citizens view it as a decisive test of the country’s democratic resilience.
The development follows a ruling by the Supreme Court, which confirmed the results of the September 21 referendum in which nearly 89% of voters endorsed a new constitution. With this ruling, the last legal obstacle to organizing the polls has been cleared, paving the way for the electoral process to move forward.
Transitional president General Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup that removed long-time leader Alpha Condé, has not revealed whether he intends to run. The military initially pledged to hand over power by 2024, but the timeline has since been delayed, with authorities citing both security and administrative challenges.
For now, the political environment remains uncertain. Opposition leaders have consistently called for a transparent and inclusive electoral process, warning that any hint of bias could provoke unrest. General Doumbouya’s silence on his political ambitions has further heightened tensions as the campaign season draws closer.
The December elections are expected to attract significant regional attention. With Guinea’s vast mineral resources and its strategic position in West Africa, the outcome will not only shape the nation’s future but also serve as a benchmark for democratic transitions across the region.
