Guinea’s ruling military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, has been officially approved to contest next month’s presidential election, according to a list released by the country’s Supreme Court over the weekend. The announcement marks a dramatic turn for Doumbouya, who had pledged not to seek office when he seized power in a 2021 coup. His decision to run follows the adoption of a new constitution—championed by the junta and ratified in a September referendum—which revised eligibility rules and effectively paved the way for his candidacy.
Jocomms Correspondent reports that Doumbouya will run as an independent against eight other contenders, most of whom are relatively unknown figures in Guinea’s political landscape. They include Abdoulaye Yero Balde, a former minister of higher education and deputy governor of the central bank, and opposition leader Faya Millimono. Notably absent from the race are former President Alpha Condé and former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo—both barred from running under new age and residency restrictions. Former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté, whose bid was rejected, has vowed to challenge the ruling.
The election, slated for December 28, is meant to conclude Guinea’s long-delayed transition to civilian rule after the junta failed to meet its earlier two-year deadline set in agreement with ECOWAS. As Doumbouya seeks to legitimize his hold on power through the ballot box, many Guineans and international observers are questioning—will this vote truly mark a return to democracy, or simply entrench military rule under a new guise? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
