Junta leader Mamady Doumbouya formally entered Guinea’s presidential race Monday, submitting his candidacy for the December 28 elections. The vote aims to restore constitutional order following Doumbouya’s 2021 coup that ended Guinea’s brief period of democratic transition.
Doumbouya, who arrived at the Supreme Court in an armoured vehicle with special forces, offered no statement to awaiting reporters. Thousands of supporters travelled from across Guinea, gathering outside the court to chant, “Mamady champion, Mamady president, Mamady already elected!”
Since seizing power, Doumbouya has ruled with an iron fist, banning demonstrations and restricting freedoms across the impoverished nation. Opposition leaders have faced arrests, forced exile, and prosecution, while media outlets have been suspended and journalists detained.
The opposition Living Forces of Guinea condemned Doumbouya’s candidacy, calling it “a disastrous turning point” and accusing him of broken promises. In September, voters approved a new constitution allowing Doumbouya to run, despite opposition claims the referendum was a “charade.”
Official results showed 89 percent of Guineans supported the new charter, paving the way for December elections amid heavy international scrutiny. Several other candidates also submitted applications Monday, including Faya Millimono of the Liberal Bloc and Makale Camara of the National Alliance Front.
Camara defended the process, rejecting claims that opposition candidates were allowed only to give the election a veneer of legitimacy. Guinea, a former French colony, gained independence in 1958 and has since endured repeated coups and authoritarian governance cycles. The December vote is seen as a critical test for Guinea’s fragile democracy, with both domestic and international observers watching closely.
