Guinea’s opposition has denounced the results of a constitutional referendum that overwhelmingly backed changes seen as clearing the way for junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya to seek the presidency. According to official figures released Tuesday, 89.38% of voters approved the draft constitution, with turnout reported at more than 86%. The new charter extends presidential terms from five to seven years, allows members of the ruling military council to contest elections, and introduces a Senate—one-third of which would be appointed by the president.
Opposition leader Faya Millimono dismissed the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities, including pre-marked ballots, coerced chiefs, and the mass annulment of “no” votes. “This is not a constitution that can be accepted as valid,” he told the Associated Press. The referendum was administered by a newly created electoral body appointed by Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted President Alpha Condé. While the junta has promised elections later this year, no firm date has been set, and Doumbouya has not ruled out running himself.
Rights groups accuse the military authorities of banning over 50 political parties, suspending opposition activities, and cracking down on dissent in the lead-up to the vote. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch both warned that Guinea is “sliding deeper into authoritarianism.” Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah hailed the results as a “mandate of trust” and insisted they represent a step toward civilian rule. But regional observers, including ECOWAS diplomats, fear the process signals another power grab in West Africa, where a string of recent coups has undermined democratic norms.
