Guinea Votes On New Constitution To Move From Military To Civilian Rule

Guinea held a much-anticipated referendum on Sunday on a new constitution that could enable coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to contest the presidency, despite his earlier pledge not to do so after seizing power in 2021.
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‎The military-led authorities, in charge of a country with the world’s largest bauxite reserves, already failed to meet a December 31, 2024 deadline they had set for a return to civilian rule. The presidential election is now expected in December.
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‎Opponents warn that the constitutional referendum is another attempt by a junta to legitimise military rule in West and Central Africa, where eight coups between 2020 and 2023 reshaped politics across the region.
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‎Although the referendum is framed as a step toward elections and civilian leadership, critics of Doumbouya have denounced it as a power grab.
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‎Doumbouya has not clarified whether he will run for president. A transition charter adopted after the coup barred junta members from participating in the next election.
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‎The referendum is expected to succeed, as the main opposition leaders, Cellou Dalein Diallo and ousted former President Alpha Conde, have urged their supporters to boycott the vote.
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‎Their political parties remain suspended, while Human Rights Watch has accused the government of abducting political rivals and arbitrarily shutting down media outlets.
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‎Authorities have denied involvement in disappearances but pledged to investigate the allegations.
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‎Polling stations were set to open at 7 a.m. (0700 GMT) on Sunday and close at 6 p.m. (1800 GMT), though the timing of results remains uncertain.
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‎The proposed constitution would extend the presidential term from five to seven years, renewable once, and establish a Senate, with one-third of its members directly appointed by the president.
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‎In the last days of campaigning, Conakry’s streets were lined with small white posters displaying the word “Yes” alongside a green checkmark.
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‎On Thursday, S&P Global Ratings assigned Guinea its first-ever sovereign rating of B+ with a stable outlook, making it the third highest-rated economy in West Africa, according to the agency.
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‎The agency noted that while some progress has been made toward civilian rule, “social needs are high and tensions with the opposition are elevated with accusation of arbitrary arrests and rising pressure on the media.”
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