General Mamady Doumbouya Wins Controversial Elections in Guinea
General Mamady Doumbouya Secures Electoral Victory
General Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president of Guinea, achieving a majority of votes according to the initial results published by the country’s electoral commission. The junta leader aims to legitimize his rule after assuming power through a coup four years ago.
A civil society group advocating for a return to civilian leadership condemned the elections, labeling them a "farce," following the exclusion of his main opponents from the race, while opposition candidates reported irregularities in the voting process.
On Monday, internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported restrictions on access to social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, as Guineans awaited the official results. Although there has been no official comment regarding the restrictions, opponents view this as an attempt to stifle criticism regarding the outcomes.
The preliminary results announced on Tuesday indicate that General Doumbouya won 86.72% of the votes cast on December 28, an absolute majority that exceeds the threshold needed for a second round of voting. This victory grants the junta leader a seven-year mandate. Should the results be contested, the Supreme Court has eight days to validate them.
Opposition candidate Faya Millimono claimed that the elections were marred by "systematic fraudulent practices," including the expulsion of observers, ballot stuffing, and voter intimidation. The ruling party and government have not yet commented on the complaints raised.
After toppling 83-year-old President Alpha Condé in 2021, General Doumbouya promised not to run and to hand over power to a civilian leadership. "Neither I nor any member of this transition will stand as candidates for anything... As soldiers, we hold our word in high regard," he stated at that time.
Now, the general has rescinded this promise, entering the ballot after a new constitution implemented in September allowed him to run. Eight other candidates participated in the elections; however, due to the exclusion of the main opposition parties RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG, none of the participants have a solid political base.
Though popular among the youth in Guinea, General Doumbouya has faced criticism for restricting opposition activities, banning protests, and curtailing press freedom prior to the elections. He justified his overthrow of Condé on similar grounds—rampant corruption, neglect of human rights, and poor economic management.
Guinea holds the world's largest bauxite reserves and some of the richest iron ore resources. Last month, authorities launched the massive Simandou mining project, generating significant anticipation. However, according to World Bank data, over half the population lives in poverty.
