Guinea coup leader Doumbouya emerges president in disputed poll

 

Guinea’s military ruler, Mamady Doumbouya, has been declared winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a landslide victory that effectively transforms his junta-led administration into a civilian government.

Provisional results released on Tuesday by Guinea’s electoral commission showed Doumbouya polling 86.72 per cent of the votes cast in Sunday’s election, thereby avoiding a second-round runoff.

The Supreme Court is expected to validate the results within eight days, provided no formal challenge is lodged.

Doumbouya seized power in September 2021 after overthrowing then President Alpha Condé, who was 83 at the time. Following the coup, the army officer pledged to oversee a transition to civilian rule and vowed not to contest for political office.

“As soldiers, we value our word very much,” Doumbouya said at the time.

However, he later reversed that position after a new constitution adopted in September opened the door for him to contest the presidency. His decision to enter the race sparked criticism from opposition groups and civil society organisations.

Although eight other candidates participated in the election, major opposition parties were barred, a development that significantly weakened competition and strengthened Doumbouya’s grip on the contest.

On Monday, internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported restrictions on access to major social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, as Guineans awaited the full election results.

Civil society organisations advocating a return to genuine civilian governance dismissed the election as a “charade”, while some opposition figures alleged widespread irregularities in the conduct of the poll.

Despite the controversy surrounding the election, no candidate has officially filed a challenge against the provisional results so far.

If confirmed by the Supreme Court, the outcome would formally legitimise Doumbouya’s rule nearly four years after his military takeover, marking a controversial transition from junta leadership to elected presidency.