**Conakry, Guinea** – Mamady Doumbouya, the military leader who orchestrated a coup d'état in September 2021, has been officially declared the winner of Guinea's presidential election, securing a decisive mandate in the first round of voting. The announcement, made late on Tuesday by the nation's Electoral Commission, saw Doumbouya garner an impressive 86.72% of the ballots cast, with an official turnout rate of 80.95%. This outcome solidifies his transition from head of the ruling junta to the country's democratically elected president, though the process has been met with significant opposition and accusations of impropriety.
The election marks a pivotal, albeit contentious, moment for the West African nation, which has long been plagued by political instability and economic disparity despite its abundant mineral wealth. Doumbouya's ascent to power followed the overthrow of Alpha Condé, Guinea's first democratically elected president, in a military takeover that promised to usher in a new era of governance. Initially, Doumbouya had committed to returning the country to civilian rule by the close of 2024, a pledge that now appears superseded by his presidential victory.
However, the electoral landscape was far from unified. Several key opposition figures were disqualified from participating, leading to a widespread call for a boycott from major political blocs and civil society organisations. The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution, a prominent citizens' movement, decried the vote as an "electoral charade," asserting that a substantial portion of the electorate deliberately abstained in protest. Presidential candidates such as Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé and Faya Millimono echoed this sentiment, labelling the proceedings as marred by "serious irregularities" and "electoral banditry."
Despite these vociferous objections, the results paint a picture of overwhelming support for Doumbouya across the country. He reportedly achieved over 80% of the vote in numerous districts within the capital, Conakry, and secured similar leads in other regions, including Coyah, Boffa, Fria, Gaoual, Koundara, Labe, and Nzerekore. The Electoral Commission, represented by Djenabou Touré, head of the general directorate of elections, confirmed the figures, signalling the official conclusion of the electoral contest.
The implications of Doumbouya's election are multifaceted. For his supporters, it represents a consolidation of power and a mandate to pursue his vision for Guinea. For his detractors, it signifies a continuation of authoritarian tendencies, exacerbated by the preceding crackdown on civil liberties, the prohibition of protests, and the arrest, trial, or exile of political opponents. The international community will undoubtedly be scrutinising Guinea's trajectory closely, particularly concerning the fulfilment of promises regarding democratic transition and respect for human rights. Doumbouya's victory, while decisive in terms of vote count, is undeniably shadowed by the contentious circumstances of its attainment and the deep divisions it has exposed within Guinean society.