The campaign for Guinea’s next presidential election officially kicked off on Monday. This major political step occurred as the filing deadline for the December 28 vote passed.
Transitional President Mamadi Doumbouya is widely expected to formally announce his candidacy. Crucially, the nation’s three dominant political parties have been effectively locked out of the election.
Only Minor Players File Applications
By the Supreme Court’s deadline on Monday, only four figures representing smaller political factions managed to submit their applications:
- Former Prime Minister: Lansana Kouyaté
- Former Ministers: Ousmane Kaba and Amadou Thierno Diallo
- Political Figure: Ben Youssouf Keita
The UFDG, RPG, and UFR Guinea’s three major political entities were entirely absent from the list of applicants. Their leaders were blocked from participating due to specific barriers, including age restrictions or being in forced exile. Furthermore, a prominent opposition figure, Aliou Bah, remains detained.
New Rules Pave Way for Coup Leader
The upcoming vote follows a controversial constitutional referendum in September. That vote successfully enacted several changes: it extended the presidential term length from five years to seven years and granted legal immunity to all future former presidents.
These significant constitutional revisions, coupled with new rules allowing independent candidates, have intensified speculation.
Many observers believe Colonel Doumbouya, the leader of the 2021 military coup, will soon confirm his candidacy. His closest associates have openly called for “continuity” and for him to maintain leadership.
Electoral Credibility Faces Scrutiny
The December 28 vote will be the first presidential election in Guinea since the military seizure of power. It serves as a vital measure of the nation’s commitment to restoring democratic norms.
However, the entire process faces profound doubts regarding its fairness and inclusiveness. These concerns stem directly from two facts: the exclusion of the country’s major political forces, and the installation of new constitutional rules that heavily favor the transitional incumbent.
The Supreme Court now holds the final decision. It has until November 13 to review the filings and publish the official, final list of approved candidates.
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