Guineans voted in a presidential election expected to give coup leader Mamady Doumbouya a seven-year term, effectively consolidating his hold on power. Critics and the UN say the campaign was marked by intimidation, restrictions on the press and suppression of dissent. Experts warn the result could deepen corruption in resource-rich Guinea and signal further democratic backsliding across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guinea Vote Likely to Cement Coup Leader Mamady Doumbouya’s Rule Amid Rights Concerns
A map looking at the coups in West Africa and the Sahel.
Guineans on Sunday voted in a presidential election widely expected to hand coup leader Mamady Doumbouya a seven-year mandate, a result that would effectively consolidate his control over the West African nation.
Contested Campaign
Critics described the election as a sham, saying the government systematically stifled dissent and curtailed press freedom during the campaign period. The UN Human Rights Chief said the campaign was "marked by intimidation of opposition actors," and independent observers and local opposition figures reported restrictions on rallies, protests and media coverage.
"The campaign period was marked by intimidation of opposition actors," said the UN human rights chief.
Economic Stakes and Corruption Risks
Experts told Reuters that a new term for Doumbouya could further entrench corruption and weaken oversight of Guinea's rich mineral sector. Guinea holds the world's largest known bauxite reserves and large untapped iron ore deposits — resources that have long attracted international attention and significant commercial interest.
Regional Implications
The disputed vote is the latest sign of democratic backsliding in West Africa and the Sahel, where several countries have experienced coups or sharp erosions of civil liberties in recent years. Observers warn that a confirmed long-term mandate for a leader who came to power in 2021 by force may deepen political polarization and complicate foreign investment and aid relationships.
What happens next: Final results and any legal challenges will determine whether the outcome is accepted domestically and internationally. For now, the vote underscores ongoing tensions between stability, resource governance and democratic norms in Guinea and the wider region.
