Guinea Junta Leader Doumbouya Declared Winner of Presidential Election

West Africa WeeklyDecember 31, 20252 Mins read16

Guinea’s military ruler, General Mamady Doumbouya, has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election after securing 86.7 percent of the vote, according to provisional results released by the election commission. The outcome gives the junta leader a seven year mandate and marks a major step in his effort to formalise his grip on power four years after seizing control in a coup.

The results placed Abdoulaye Yero Baldé of the Democratic Front of Guinea in a distant second with 6.6 percent, followed by Faya Lansana Millimono of the Liberal Bloc with 2 percent. Eight other candidates shared the remaining votes, most of them polling below 2 percent.

The election has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups who argue that the process lacked credibility. Key opposition parties were barred from contesting, leaving the ballot without heavyweight challengers. Several candidates and observers described the vote as deeply flawed, citing allegations of ballot stuffing, intimidation and the expulsion of election monitors from polling stations.

A coalition of civil society organisations campaigning for a return to civilian rule condemned the poll, saying large numbers of Guineans boycotted what it described as a staged exercise. While the election commission put voter turnout at over 80 percent, critics disputed the figure, insisting participation was far lower.

Tensions rose further after reports that access to major social media platforms was restricted as voters awaited the announcement of results. Authorities have not officially explained the restrictions, but opponents accused the government of attempting to curb criticism and control public reaction.

General Doumbouya, who is 41, came to power in 2021 after overthrowing then president Alpha Condé. At the time, he pledged that neither he nor members of the transitional government would seek elected office. That position changed after the adoption of a new constitution in September, which cleared the way for him to run.

The provisional results are expected to be reviewed by the Supreme Court, which has eight days to validate the outcome if challenges are filed.

Despite enjoying support among sections of the youth, Doumbouya has faced growing criticism for tightening political space ahead of the election. Opposition activities were restricted, protests banned and media freedoms curtailed, moves that rights groups say undermined the integrity of the process.

Guinea remains one of Africa’s most resource rich countries, holding the world’s largest bauxite reserves and significant iron ore deposits. The recent launch of the massive Simandou iron ore project has raised expectations of economic transformation. Yet more than half of the population continues to live in poverty, highlighting the gap between Guinea’s mineral wealth and the everyday reality of its citizens.

As the country waits for the final validation of the results, the election has deepened debate over Guinea’s democratic future and whether the vote represents a genuine return to constitutional order or a consolidation of military rule under a civilian banner.