Guinea’s Doumbouya Schedules Constitutional Referendum for 2025

Guinea’s military leader Mamady Doumbouya has set a constitutional referendum for September 21, 2025, marking a potential step toward restoring civilian rule. Doumbouya, who came to power in 2021, had previously failed to meet election deadlines, and current political opposition is suppressed, with major parties under surveillance.

Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, has announced a constitutional referendum scheduled for September 21, 2025. This decision represents a potential move towards reinstating civilian governance in the country. The announcement was made through a decree broadcast on state television this past Tuesday evening.

After seizing power in a coup in September 2021, Doumbouya initially promised a two-year transition to elections by 2022. However, he did not fulfill this commitment, resulting in Guinea missing its deadline of December 31, 2024, for a return to civilian rule.

As a significant producer of bauxite and iron ore, Guinea’s governance situation mirrors that of other West African nations that have experienced military rule and subsequent delays in transitioning back to democracy. In mid-2024, the ruling junta introduced a draft constitution, which could potentially allow Doumbouya to participate in the next presidential elections. Officials have emphasized that the referendum must precede any general elections or the reestablishment of constitutional authority.

Political opposition in Guinea remains heavily suppressed. The two former ruling parties have been suspended, and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), a prominent opposition party, continues to operate under close governmental scrutiny.

In conclusion, Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, is taking steps towards restoring civilian governance through a scheduled constitutional referendum in September 2025. However, the political landscape remains challenging, with significant suppression of opposition parties and previous commitments to a swift transition to democracy left unmet. The situation underscores the complexities faced by Guinea and similar nations in West Africa as they navigate military rule and the path towards democratic restoration.

Original Source: newscentral.africa