Gen. Mamady Doumbouya has been declared the winner of Guinea’s presidential election, according to provisional results released by the country’s election commission, securing a commanding majority of the vote.
The junta leader, who seized power in a coup four years ago, sought to legitimise his rule through the ballot box. However, the election has drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties, who described the vote as a “charade” after key challengers were barred from contesting. Opposition candidates also alleged that the process was marred by irregularities, including ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and the expulsion of poll observers.
On Monday, internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported restricted access to social media platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, as Guineans awaited the full results. While authorities have not commented on the restrictions, critics argue they were intended to suppress dissent and scrutiny.
The provisional results, announced on Tuesday, indicate that Gen. Doumbouya won 86.72% of the vote cast on December 28, well above the threshold that would have triggered a runoff, granting him a seven-year presidential mandate. The Supreme Court has eight days to officially validate the results if they are contested.
Opposition candidate Faya Millimono condemned the election as being fraught with “systematic fraudulent practices.” The government and ruling party have yet to respond to these allegations.
Gen. Doumbouya’s candidacy breaks a promise he made when he led the 2021 coup that ousted then-83-year-old President Alpha Condé.
At the time, he vowed that neither he nor members of the transitional government would run for office. The change came after a new constitution, implemented in September, allowed him to stand for election.
Eight other candidates participated in Sunday’s poll, though the exclusion of major opposition parties RPG Arc-en-Ciel and UFDG left the field dominated by minor contenders with limited political influence.
While Gen. Doumbouya enjoys popularity among Guinea’s youth, he has faced criticism for cracking down on opposition activities, banning protests, and restricting press freedom ahead of the elections. He justified the 2021 coup citing corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement under Condé.
Guinea, home to the world’s largest bauxite reserves and substantial iron ore wealth, recently inaugurated the massive Simandou iron-ore project. Yet, over half of the population continues to live in poverty, according to World Bank data.