Keypoints:
- Vote could allow Doumbouya to contest presidency
- Opposition parties call for nationwide boycott
- Rights groups allege disappearances, media clampdown
GUINEA will head to the polls on Sunday for a constitutional referendum that could open the door for junta leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president, despite his earlier pledge to stay out of politics. Wednesday marks the final day of campaigning in a contest that has sharply divided the West African nation.
Charter promises sidelined
A transition charter adopted after the September 2021 coup barred members of the military government from contesting upcoming national and local elections. However, the new draft constitution removes that restriction. Doumbouya has not confirmed his intentions, but critics argue the referendum is a bid to consolidate his grip on power.
Exiled opposition figure Cellou Dalein Diallo labelled the vote a ‘masquerade’ and urged citizens to boycott it. Diallo’s Union of Democratic Forces and the party of ousted president Alpha Condé remain suspended over alleged failures to meet administrative and financial disclosure rules, preventing them from campaigning against the proposed changes.
Rights concerns and delayed transition
Human Rights Watch has accused the junta of enforced disappearances of political opponents and arbitrary suspension of media outlets. Authorities deny any involvement but have promised investigations.
The government also missed its self-imposed December 31, 2024 deadline to return to civilian rule. Presidential elections are now expected in December, but the constitutional overhaul could alter that timeline.
Expanded presidential powers proposed
The draft constitution would extend presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once, and establish a Senate. The president would directly appoint one-third of senators, with the remainder selected by municipal and regional councils.
More than 6.7 million voters are registered, and the constitution will pass if more than half of votes cast are in favour.
Public mood split
Supporters such as civil servant Ibrahima Camara have rallied behind the ‘Yes’ campaign, even changing social media avatars to show their backing. ‘It’s the most clear-sighted choice,’ Camara said, describing the vote as a step towards stabilising governance.
But scepticism runs deep in opposition areas. ‘I won’t vote because the process isn’t transparent,’ said Abdoulaye Diallo from Conakry’s Hamdallaye district. ‘You can’t talk about voting in Guinea without the main parties. In the long run, this will create unnecessary tensions.’
As Guinea prepares for Sunday’s referendum, the result will test the nation’s fragile transition and its chances of a return to democratic governance.
