Guinea to Hold First Presidential Election Since 2021 Coup

Guinea will hold its first presidential election since the 2021 coup on December 28, according to a decree broadcast on state television. The announcement came a day after the Supreme Court validated the results of a referendum endorsing a new constitution that could pave the way for coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for office. Doumbouya has not yet confirmed whether he intends to stand as a candidate.

Guinea holds strategic importance in global markets, with the world’s largest reserves of bauxite — a key source of aluminum — as well as the untapped Simandou deposit, considered the richest iron ore reserve globally.

The country’s path toward civilian rule mirrors a mixed pattern seen across Africa following recent coups. While Chad and Gabon have conducted elections to formalize transitions, other nations such as Mali and Niger have opted for extended transition periods without immediate votes.

In 2022, Doumbouya’s junta negotiated a two-year transition plan with the West African regional bloc ECOWAS but failed to meet the deadline. The newly approved constitution replaces the transitional framework that barred junta members from contesting elections, effectively opening the door to Doumbouya’s candidacy. It also extends presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once, and creates a new Senate.

The Supreme Court announced late Friday that the charter passed with 89% support and a voter turnout of 92%. Opposition figures, however, have disputed the turnout figure, pointing to sparse participation observed at polling stations.