Guinea will hold its first presidential election since a coup in 2021 on December 28, according to a decree read on state television.
The announcement comes a day after the Supreme Court validated the results of a referendum approving a new constitution that could allow coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president.
Doumbouya has not publicly stated whether he intends to participate in the election.
The new constitution introduces significant changes, including extending presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once, and establishing a new Senate.
The referendum passed with 89% of the vote, although opposition politicians have disputed the turnout figure of 92%, citing sparse voter participation observed at polling stations.
Guinea’s coup was part of a wave of eight coups in West and Central Africa between 2020 and 2023.
The country holds considerable international financial significance due to its vast reserves of bauxite and iron ore, particularly the world’s richest untapped iron ore deposit at Simandou.
The election marks a crucial step in Guinea’s transition back to civilian rule after four years of military governance.
