In a significant development for Guinea’s political landscape, coup leader Mamady Doumbouya has been declared the winner of the presidential election held on December 28, 2025. This election marks a pivotal moment as it transitions the nation towards civilian governance following nearly five years of military rule. However, the election process has been marred by controversy, as key opposition figures were barred from running, raising questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the democratic process.
Mamady Doumbouya, the leader who came to power following a military coup in September 2021, has been elected as president of Guinea, according to provisional results announced by the country’s electoral commission. Doumbouya received an overwhelming 86.72 percent of the vote in the election, held on December 28, which allows him to avoid a run-off. The Supreme Court has eight days to validate these results, during which any challenges can be submitted.
Facing a total of eight opponents, Doumbouya’s ascent to the presidency follows a controversial military takeover that ousted former President Alpha Conde, who had been in office since 2010. Interestingly, the main opposition leaders were barred from participating in the election and actively called for a boycott, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process. As a result, both Conde and longtime opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo remain in exile.
Doumbouya’s election is seen as a departure from his earlier commitment not to run for office. Initially, Guinea’s post-coup governance charter barred military personnel from contesting elections, but this restriction was lifted following a constitutional referendum in September. Following the elections, the head of the electoral commission, Djenabou Toure, announced a voter turnout of 80.95 percent, though critics have expressed doubts about this figure, especially in the capital, Conakry, which reported limited participation.
Economically, Guinea possesses rich natural resources, notably the world’s largest deposits of bauxite and significant iron ore reserves at Simandou. Doumbouya has heralded his administration’s efforts in the mining sector, arguing that it will enable the country to benefit more directly from its vast mineral wealth. Additionally, his government revoked the license of Emirates Global Aluminium’s subsidiary, Guinea Alumina Corporation, showcasing a shift towards greater state control of strategic resources. This trend mirrors policies in other African nations, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military administrations have gained favor through similar strategies.
Despite these developments, concerns linger about the political environment under Doumbouya’s administration. Civil society organizations have accused the government of stifling political dissent, curbing press freedom, and restricting the opposition’s ability to mobilize effectively. The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, criticized the electoral campaign, characterizing it as marked by intimidation, enforced disappearances of opposition figures, and severe constraints on media freedom.
Opposition candidate Faya Lansana Millimono has voiced allegations regarding widespread electoral fraud, claiming that observers were barred from monitoring the voting and ballot counting processes. As the political scenario unfolds, the government’s silence in response to these claims adds to the uncertainty regarding the future trajectory of Guinea’s governance and democratic norms.
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