Guinea’s Doumbouya Announces September 2025 Vote in Democratic Transition
Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea’s military leader, has announced a constitutional referendum for September 21, 2025, signaling a move towards civilian governance. This comes after a series of unfulfilled commitments for elections since his coup in September 2021. The political opposition remains marginalized, complicating the path toward democracy in Guinea.
Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, has declared a constitutional referendum to be held on September 21, 2025, marking a significant move towards reinstating civilian governance. This announcement was made through a decree broadcasted on state television on Tuesday evening. Doumbouya seized power in a coup in September 2021 and had previously suggested a two-year transition aimed at elections in 2022, which ultimately did not materialize, leading to the missed deadline for restoring civilian rule by December 31, 2024.
Guinea is a critical producer of bauxite and iron ore and is among several nations in West Africa experiencing delays in transitioning back to democracy due to military governance. In July 2024, the ruling junta presented a draft constitution that appears to facilitate Doumbouya’s eligibility to contest in the upcoming presidential election. Officials have clarified that this referendum is a prerequisite for conducting any future general elections or achieving a return to constitutional order.
Moreover, the political landscape remains challenging, with significant opposition suppression. Both of Guinea’s former ruling parties are currently suspended, and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), another key opposition entity, is under close surveillance by authorities.
In conclusion, Mamady Doumbouya’s announcement of a constitutional referendum scheduled for September 2025 marks a pivotal development towards restoring civilian governance in Guinea. However, the previous delays in electoral processes and ongoing restrictions on political opposition raise concerns. The upcoming referendum’s outcomes will be critical in determining Guinea’s political future and potential return to democracy.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
