Keypoints:
- Supreme Court approves nine presidential hopefuls
- Coup leader Doumbouya reverses pledge not to run
- December vote to end military-led transition
GUINEA’S Supreme Court has approved coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to contest next month’s presidential election, confirming nine candidates for the December 28 poll. The decision clears the path for the colonel, who took power in a 2021 coup, to legitimise his rule through the ballot box.
When Doumbouya overthrew former President Alpha Conde, he pledged to steer the West African nation toward democracy without seeking office himself. But that promise has now been set aside. A new constitution, drafted under the military-led transitional government and endorsed in a September referendum, made his candidacy legally possible.
Rivals disqualified under new rules
The revised constitution also introduced age and residency limits that effectively blocked two of Doumbouya’s most prominent rivals — former President Conde and former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo — from running. Both men were long considered dominant figures in Guinean politics and potential challengers to Doumbouya’s authority.
The junta leader, who will run as an independent, now faces a largely low-profile field. Observers say his participation could extend military influence in civilian politics for another five years if he wins.
Low-profile contenders approved
Among those cleared to stand are Abdoulaye Yero Balde, a former higher education minister and ex-deputy governor of the central bank, and Faya Millimono, an opposition leader known for his criticism of the junta.
Former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate’s candidacy was rejected by the court, though his party said on Facebook that he plans to appeal.
Transition delayed beyond deadline
Doumbouya’s administration had earlier agreed with the regional bloc ECOWAS to complete a two-year transition to democratic rule by 2024. However, that deadline expired without an election being held.
The December vote is now presented as the final step in restoring civilian governance. Yet analysts warn that Doumbouya’s decision to stand undermines the spirit of the promised transition. Critics argue that the same military leadership that vowed to hand power back to the people is instead reshaping the political landscape to consolidate control.
The outcome of the December poll will determine whether Guinea moves toward a genuine democratic reopening or remains under the enduring shadow of military rule.
