Guinea’s Doumbouya Schedules September 2025 Vote in Democratic Push

Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea’s military leader, has announced a constitutional referendum for September 21, 2025, signaling a possible move toward restoring civilian rule. Despite earlier promises for elections and missed deadlines, the junta’s draft constitution could enable Doumbouya’s participation in upcoming elections, while political opposition remains suppressed.

Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, has set a constitutional referendum for September 21, 2025, which may pave the way for reinstating civilian governance. This announcement was made through a decree broadcasted on state television on Tuesday evening. Doumbouya, who assumed power after a coup in September 2021, initially aimed for a two-year transition to democratic elections by 2022 but did not implement a vote, missing the December 31, 2024, deadline for restoring civilian rule.

As a major producer of bauxite and iron ore, Guinea stands among several West African countries experiencing delayed transitions from military rule to democracy. In July 2024, the junta presented a draft constitution, potentially enabling Doumbouya to compete in future presidential elections. The authorities have emphasized that the referendum must occur prior to any general elections or the re-establishment of constitutional governance.

Political opposition in Guinea remains suppressed, with the two former ruling parties under suspension and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), a significant opposition party, currently subject to surveillance. This environment complicates the pursuit of a democratic transition under Doumbouya’s military regime.

Mamady Doumbouya’s announcement of a constitutional referendum in September 2025 represents a significant potential step toward civilian governance in Guinea. However, the military’s history of delayed transitions and the current suppression of political opposition cast uncertainty on the viability of a genuine return to democracy. The ongoing situation will require careful monitoring as events unfold, particularly with the new constitution possibly impacting Doumbouya’s political future.

Original Source: newscentral.africa