Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the military leader who seized power in a 2021 coup, has been declared the winner of Guinea’s presidential election with 86.72% of the vote, according to provisional results released Tuesday.
Doumbouya, 41, faced eight little-known opponents in the December 28 poll after main opposition leaders were barred from running under a new constitution approved in September. The same constitution extended the presidential term to seven years and lifted a ban on junta members contesting elections, allowing Doumbouya to stand.
Official turnout was reported at over 80%, though opposition groups claim the figure is inflated and have dismissed the election as an “electoral charade.” Several candidates have alleged serious irregularities, including ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and restricted access for election observers.
Doumbouya initially promised not to run and to restore civilian rule by 2024 after ousting President Alpha Condé. His tenure has been marked by accusations of suppressing dissent, banning protests, and jailing or exiling political opponents.
Supporters point to his advancement of major mining projects, including the Simandou iron ore initiative, as evidence of effective leadership in the bauxite-rich nation.
The Supreme Court now has eight days to validate the results, which formalize Doumbouya’s transition from coup leader to elected president amid ongoing international scrutiny and domestic controversy.
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