Guinea will hold its first presidential election in four years on 28 December 2025, the transitional government announced in a decree published on Saturday.
The announcement follows a highly disputed constitutional referendum on 21 September, which authorities say passed with 89% “yes” votes and a turnout of 86%. Opposition parties, however, boycotted the vote, calling it an “electoral masquerade” with results “known in advance.”
The new constitution clears the way for General Mamady Doumbouya, leader of the transitional military government, to run for president — despite his earlier pledge not to contest when he seized power in a coup that ousted former president Alpha Condé in 2021.
Key changes in the constitution also extend the presidential term from five to seven years, renewable once.
Critics accuse Doumbouya of entrenching military rule and cracking down on dissent. Rights groups and opposition figures have repeatedly denounced restrictions on free speech and political activity since the coup.
While supporters of the new constitution say it provides stability and a framework for elections, opponents warn that it undermines democratic credibility and risks deepening Guinea’s political crisis.
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