Polls Open for Critical Referendum in Guinea

Polls opened in Guinea on Sunday for a pivotal referendum that could allow the military leader of the West African country to run for president.

General Mamady Doumbouya, who took power in a coup in 2021, had promised to restore civilian governance by the end of last year.

The draft constitution is highly controversial. If approved, it would facilitate elections while permitting military members to seek political office, extending presidential terms from five to seven years, and complicating the pathway for political parties to participate in elections.

The “yes” campaign has been aggressive, featuring rallies, Quran readings, and concerts, as well as extensive poster campaigns throughout Conakry. Meanwhile, the “no” campaign has faced severe restrictions, predominantly limited to social media channels.

Opposition’s Absence

Experts forecast that the referendum will pass due to the absence of significant opposition, as key leaders like Cellou Dalein Diallo and deposed former President Alpha Conde have called for a boycott. Their political parties are currently suspended.

Rafiou Sow, president of the suspended Renewal and Progress Party, stated that over half of Guinea’s population struggles with literacy, limiting their access to information about the new constitution solely to the “yes” campaign.

“Our activists and supporters have no knowledge of this constitution. The moment we were excluded, they were excluded,” he said.

The UN Human Rights Office has urged military authorities to conduct a peaceful and transparent referendum, expressing concerns about recent bans on political parties and media outlets, which jeopardize inclusivity and fair participation.

Guinea is among several West African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where military leaders have assumed control, impacting the timeline for a return to civilian rule and forging new international alliances, notably with Russia over France.

Conclusion

The ongoing developments in Guinea’s referendum pose significant implications not only for the country’s political landscape but also for broader regional dynamics in West Africa.