Conakry – Guinea’s Supreme Court has validated the candidacy of General Mamady Doumbouya, leader of the 2021 coup, for the upcoming presidential elections slated for December 28th. The announcement, made Saturday, November 8th, revealed a preliminary list of nine approved candidates.
Doumbouya’s participation marks a significant political shift. Initially, he pledged a transition to civilian rule after a defined period. However, sustained pressure from his supporters and the Supreme Court’s endorsement have paved the way for a potentially tense electoral campaign.
Of the 51 applications submitted, only eight candidates, mostly unknown figures, were approved alongside Doumbouya. Notably absent is former Prime Minister and opposition leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo, currently in exile. This absence reshapes the competitive landscape and fuels debate concerning the integrity of the electoral process.
The opposition is expected to rally behind candidate Faya Lansana Millimono, a vocal critic of the military government. Candidates whose applications were rejected have 72 hours to appeal, with the Supreme Court expected to issue a final decision within 48 hours.
These elections occur four years after the military seized power in Guinea, a nation grappling with poverty and a history of coups and authoritarian regimes. The December vote is considered pivotal for the Guinean people, who yearn for an end to the transition, and for the international community, which advocates for a return to civilian governance.
Since the ousting of former President Alpha Condé in September 2021, Guineans have been subjected to repeated promises of a democratic transition. The upcoming election represents a crucial test of the country’s future and its political stability. The approval of Doumbouya’s candidacy has already sparked considerable debate both within Guinea and internationally. Analysts suggest that the election’s outcome will significantly impact the region’s political trajectory.
