**Conakry, Guinea** – General Mamady Doumbouya, the architect of Guinea’s September 2021 military takeover, has been formally declared the victor in the nation’s presidential election, securing an overwhelming 86.72% of the vote. The provisional results, announced on Tuesday by the Guinean Election Commission, pave the way for Doumbouya to transition from junta chief to an elected head of state, a move intended to legitimize his grip on power following the ousting of former President Alpha Condé. However, the election has been met with widespread condemnation from opposition factions and civil society groups, who decry it as a foregone conclusion marred by irregularities and a deliberate suppression of dissent.
The December 28 poll was a crucial step in the junta’s promised timeline towards civilian rule, a transition initially slated for 36 months. A significant referendum held in September, which controversially permitted military officers to stand for election and extended the presidential term, set the stage for Doumbouya’s candidacy. The sheer magnitude of his reported victory, an absolute majority that obviates the need for a second round, has amplified concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. Voter turnout was reported at a robust 80.95% among the 6.7 million registered citizens, a figure that some observers suggest may not accurately reflect the ground reality given the prevailing political climate.
Opposition candidates, including prominent figures like Faya Millimono and Yero Balde, who secured a distant second place with 6.51% of the ballots, have vehemently contested the results. They allege a pattern of "systematic fraudulent practices," citing instances of poll observer expulsions, ballot stuffing, and pervasive intimidation tactics. The political landscape in Guinea has been significantly altered since the coup, with major opposition parties facing suspension, their leaders either detained, disqualified from running, or forced into exile. This pre-election environment has cast a long shadow over the legitimacy of the outcome.
Adding to the disquiet, internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported significant restrictions on social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook during the period leading up to and immediately following the announcement of results. Critics interpret these digital curbs as a calculated effort to stifle independent reporting and prevent the dissemination of dissenting voices, thereby controlling the narrative surrounding the election. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), a regional bloc that has grappled with a series of coups in West Africa, is closely monitoring the situation, though its response to this particular election remains to be fully articulated.
With the provisional results now awaiting validation by the Supreme Court of Guinea within an eight-day window, General Doumbouya is poised to receive a seven-year mandate. For his supporters, this election represents a necessary step towards stability and order after years of political turmoil. However, for his detractors, it is a stark illustration of a democratic facade erected over an authoritarian regime. The Forces vives de Guinée coalition poignantly summarised the sentiment of many opposition supporters, stating, "The man who presented himself as the restorer of democracy chose to become its gravedigger." This election marks a pivotal, albeit contentious, chapter in Guinea’s post-coup journey, with the nation's future trajectory hinging on how effectively Doumbouya can bridge the deep divisions that have been exacerbated by this electoral process.