Guinea’s junta leader, Mamady Doumbouya, who had pledged not to seek office after seizing power four years ago, has been declared the winner of the presidential election, according to preliminary results released by the country’s election commission on Tuesday. Doumbouya, 41, faced eight rivals, though major opposition figures were barred from running and had called for a boycott of the vote held over the weekend.
Initial results from the General Directorate of Elections show Doumbouya secured 86.72 percent of the vote, surpassing the threshold required to avoid a runoff. Voter turnout was reportedly 80.95 percent, with the junta chief winning overwhelmingly in districts of the capital, Conakry, as well as towns including Coyah, Boffa, Fria, Gaoual, Koundara, Labe, and Nzerekore.
However, opposition groups have questioned the legitimacy of the results. The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution called the election a “charade,” arguing that many Guineans boycotted the vote. Allegations of ballot stuffing and restricted access for opposition representatives were raised by candidates Abdoulaye Yero Balde and Faya Millimono, who also cited undue influence over voters.
Doumbouya led a coup in September 2021 that overthrew Guinea’s first freely elected president, Alpha Conde. Since taking power, he has cracked down on civil liberties, banned protests, and targeted opponents through arrests or exile. A new constitution approved in a September referendum allowed junta members to run for office and extended presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once, paving the way for Doumbouya’s candidacy.
Several prominent opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, remain in exile and were barred from contesting. Former President Conde and ex-Prime Minister Sidya Toure were also ineligible due to age restrictions. The announcement has sparked widespread debate and criticism both domestically and internationally over Guinea’s democratic process.
