Guineans will head to the polls on Sunday for a referendum on a new constitution that could pave the way for junta leader Mamady Doumbouya to contest the presidency—despite his earlier promise not to do so when he seized power in 2021.
Campaigning ends Wednesday for the highly contentious vote, seen as the latest test of political transition in a region reshaped by eight military coups between 2020 and 2023.
A transition charter adopted after Doumbouya’s coup barred junta members from running in future elections. However, that restriction is absent from the proposed constitution, raising speculation that Doumbouya may seek to extend his rule. He has not clarified his intentions.
Critics have dismissed the referendum as a “power grab.” Exiled opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo on Monday urged Guineans to boycott what he described as a “masquerade.” His Union of Democratic Forces party, alongside former President Alpha Condé’s Rally of the Guinean People, has been suspended by the junta and barred from campaigning.
Rights groups have also raised concerns. Human Rights Watch accused Doumbouya’s government of disappearing political opponents and silencing media outlets. The junta has denied involvement in disappearances but pledged investigations.
The government missed its self-imposed December 2024 deadline to restore civilian rule. A presidential election is now expected in December 2025.
If adopted, the new constitution would extend presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once, and establish a Senate, with one-third of senators appointed by the president and two-thirds chosen by municipal and regional councils.
Over 6.7 million voters are registered, with approval requiring a simple majority of votes cast.
While some citizens, like civil servant Ibrahima Camara, have openly backed the “Yes” campaign, others remain sceptical. “It’s the most clear-sighted choice,” Camara said, calling the referendum a step toward normalcy.
But in opposition strongholds, frustration runs deep. “I won’t vote because the process isn’t transparent,” said Abdoulaye Diallo, a resident of Hamdallaye in Conakry. “You can’t talk about voting in Guinea without the main parties. In the long run, this will create unnecessary tensions.”
