Guinea’s transitional leader, General Mamadi Doumbouya, cast his ballot on September 21 in a constitutional referendum widely regarded as a decisive step toward restoring civilian rule. He voted in Conakry alongside his wife, Laurianne Doumbouya, and senior government officials. The proposed constitution introduces major political reforms, including a seven year presidential term renewable once, the creation of a Senate, and provisions that could allow Doumbouya himself to stand in future presidential elections.
Authorities imposed a strict nationwide travel ban from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on referendum day, restricting cars and motorcycles except for security forces, emergency services, and vehicles with special permits. To boost credibility, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent a technical team of 11 electoral experts to observe voting in Conakry, Kankan, Kindia, Mamou, and Labé between September 17 and 23.
According to the electoral commission, 6.7 million Guineans were registered to vote across more than 23,000 polling stations. The government has touted newly acquired biometric voting kits as a safeguard against fraud, though opposition groups remain skeptical, accusing the junta of manipulating the process to entrench its power. The referendum comes three years after Doumbouya seized power in a 2021 coup that ended President Alpha Condé’s decade-long rule. Supporters say the vote marks a turning point in Guinea’s democratic transition, while critics warn it could pave the way for Doumbouya to legitimize his rule through the ballot box. ECOWAS has reiterated its support for a credible process, framing the referendum as a milestone in Guinea’s return to constitutional order.
