Guineans voted Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to be won by Mamady Doumbouya, the general who led the 2021 coup. Doumbouya, 41, is running as an independent, despite previously pledging not to seek office and to return the country to civilian rule by 2024.
Key opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo and ex-President Alpha Conde, were barred from running.
Protests and rallies have been restricted under Doumbouya, and opponents have faced arrests or exile.
Around 6.8 million people were eligible to vote for nine approved candidates. Doumbouya cast his ballot in Conakry under heavy security, greeting supporters but making no statement. Observers reported calm voting, though turnout appeared lower than previous elections.
Critics call the election an “electoral charade” designed to legitimize Doumbouya’s grip on power.
The new constitution allows him to run and extends presidential terms to seven years.
Doumbouya highlighted his infrastructure projects and mining operations in a social media video, promising to fight corruption and make Guinea an “emerging country.” Provisional results are expected within two days.
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