Guineans Approve New Constitution by Wide Margin, Pave Way for Elections

Four years after the military seized power, voters in Guinea have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, with 89 per cent supporting the charter, according to provisional official results announced on Tuesday evening.

The new constitution not only paves the way for elections in the West African country but also allows General Mamady Doumbouya, leader of the ruling junta, to run for president.

The “yes” vote won with 89.4 per cent of ballots, according to Ibrahima Kalil Condé, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation.
Total election turnout was 86.4 per cent.

Final results will be confirmed by the Supreme Court at a later, unspecified date.

The opposition, many of whose leaders are based abroad, had called for a boycott, describing the vote as a power grab with predetermined results. Despite their plea, Guineans turned out in large numbers, with the majority interviewed by AFP stating they had voted to move forward with the new constitution.

Approximately 6.7 million Guineans were eligible to vote in a population of around 14.5 million.

The referendum saw strong campaigning in favour of the “yes” vote, including rallies, marching bands, and posters depicting 40-year-old Doumbouya throughout the country.

The “no” campaign was largely non-existent on the ground, mainly conducted via social media by the junta’s critics in exile.

Authorities deployed 45,000 security personnel, supported by 1,000 light and armoured vehicles and combat helicopters, to maintain order on voting day, according to the National Gendarmerie.

The military had initially pledged to return power to civilians by the end of 2024. Although the junta now promises presidential and legislative elections before the year’s end, no official dates have yet been set.

The new constitution will replace the country’s transitional charter, which previously prohibited any junta member from running for election. There is no such restriction in the new charter, opening the door for Doumbouya’s candidacy.

Guineans interviewed by AFP expressed divided views: some hoped for the return of civilian rule under the new constitution, while others supported Doumbouya and his potential presidential bid.

Many cited repression under Doumbouya as a major concern. Since 2022, the junta has:

• Banned demonstrations
• Arrested, prosecuted, or forced into exile several opposition leaders, some of whom disappeared under mysterious circumstances
• Suspended two main opposition parties for three months on 23 August
• Suspended several media outlets and arrested journalists

Despite these actions, the junta maintains that the new constitution reflects popular aspirations.

“This constitution is the profound expression of the aspirations of the people of Guinea,” said General Amara Camara, Secretary-General of the Presidency.
“Many had expressed doubts about the organisation of this vote, and we have allayed them; we hope that we will also be able to organise the legislative and presidential elections when the time comes.”