Guineans went to the polls on Sunday for a high-stakes referendum on a new constitution that could extend presidential terms, create a Senate, and potentially pave the way for coup leader General Mamady Doumbouya to run for office.
More than 6.7 million citizens were eligible to vote on the draft constitution, which seeks to lengthen presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once. It also proposes establishing a Senate, with one-third of its members directly appointed by the president.
Polls opened in the morning and were scheduled to close later in the day, with results expected within two to three days.
In Conakry, voters queued under heavy security at polling stations after authorities banned campaigning on Friday and Saturday. Reports indicated that the government deployed more than 40,000 security officers nationwide to safeguard the vote.
Sharply divided
The referendum has sharply divided the nation. Supporters describe it as a step toward stability and the restoration of constitutional order. Critics, however, argue that it entrenches military rule and creates a pathway for Doumbouya—who seized power in a 2021 coup—to contest future elections.
The vote comes amid mounting concerns over democratic backsliding in West and Central Africa, a region destabilised by eight coups since 2023.
Guinea’s military rulers had pledged to return power to civilians by December last year, but their failure to meet the deadline has fuelled doubts about their commitment to transition.
Boycott calls
Opposition leaders, including ousted president Alpha Condé and longtime rival Cellou Dalein Diallo, have urged Guineans to boycott the referendum.
Their parties remain suspended, while rights groups accuse the junta of silencing dissent and targeting political opponents—allegations the military government denies.
A presidential election is scheduled for December, though Doumbouya has not said whether he will run.
Analysts predict the new constitution is likely to pass, as the opposition boycott is expected to depress turnout.
