Guinea has scheduled its first post-coup presidential election for December 28 following a contentious referendum that clears the way for junta members to contest.
The announcement came a day after the Supreme Court validated a new constitution approved by referendum, which lifts restrictions barring junta members from running for office and extends presidential terms from five to seven years. The referendum passed with 89 % support, according to provisional results, amid opposition claims that the turnout figures were inflated.
Though the revised constitution opens the door for coup leader Gen. Mamady Doumbouya to run, he has not confirmed whether he will stand as a candidate. Observers note that Guinea’s original deadline to return to civilian rule—set in 2024 under an ECOWAS-brokered agreement—was not met, raising concerns about credibility.
The December election will be held under the oversight of the newly formed Directorate General of Elections (DGE), established earlier in 2025 to manage the electoral register and processes.
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