Gen Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of Guinea's junta, has emerged with a significant lead in the recent presidential election. This election has faced criticism as key challengers were barred from participating, raising concerns about its legitimacy. Doumbouya aims to solidify his rule following a coup that occurred four years ago, and these initial results indicate a strong position for him.
A civil society group advocating for the return of civilian governance has denounced the election as a mere charade. Additionally, opposition candidates have reported various irregularities that marred the electoral process. The situation has drawn attention to the challenges facing democracy in Guinea, which is grappling with the aftereffects of political upheaval.
As Guineans awaited the complete election results, the internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported restrictions on access to popular social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. This move has raised alarms about freedom of expression and transparency during this critical time.
Gen Doumbouya has shown a commanding lead in various regions, including Boffa and Fria in the west, Gaoual in the north-west, Koundara and Labe in the north, and Nzerekore in the south-east. His support is particularly notable among the youth of Guinea, who view him as a potential agent of change, despite criticisms of his governance style.
After successfully overthrowing the then-83-year-old President Alpha Condé in 2021, Doumbouya had pledged not to seek election and to restore civilian rule. "Neither I nor any member of this transition will be a candidate for anything... As soldiers, we value our word very much," he stated at that time. However, in a significant turn of events, he has now placed his name on the ballot following the implementation of a new constitution in September that allows him to run for office.
In the election held on Sunday, eight other candidates participated; however, due to the exclusion of major opposition parties like RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG, the remaining candidates lack substantial political influence. This has raised questions about the fairness of the electoral process and the future of democracy in Guinea.
Despite his popularity among youth, Doumbouya has faced backlash for limiting opposition activities, banning protests, and curtailing press freedoms leading up to the elections. He had earlier justified his coup against Condé on similar grounds, citing rampant corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights violations.
Guinea is endowed with the world's largest bauxite reserves and significant iron ore deposits. Recently, authorities launched the massive Simandou iron-ore mine, which generated widespread anticipation among investors. However, it is important to note that over half of Guinea's population continues to live in poverty, according to World Bank statistics, highlighting the ongoing socioeconomic challenges faced by the nation.