Guinea: Junta Chief Cleared for Presidency

The Supreme Court of Guinea has officially validated General Mamady Doumbouya’s candidacy. He is now cleared for the upcoming presidential election.

The court released the final list of candidates this weekend. Doumbouya joins eight other contenders.

This decision marks a significant turning point for the West African nation. When Doumbouya seized power in a 2021 coup, he made a specific promise. He publicly vowed not to seek elected office.

However, the situation has changed. A new constitution was adopted in September following a referendum. Consequently, this new legal framework cleared the path for his candidacy.

Opposition Heavyweights Barred

The new constitutional framework has effectively sidelined formidable challengers. Former President Alpha Condé and former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo cannot run. They have been declared ineligible due to strict new age and residency regulations.

Consequently, major opposition figures are removed from the race. Doumbouya is running as an independent candidate. He faces a field of largely lower-profile competitors.

The approved candidates include:

• Abdoulaye Yero Baldé: A former Minister of Higher Education and deputy governor of the central bank.

• Faya Millimono: An opposition leader who has been critical of the military administration.

Meanwhile, officials rejected the application of Lansana Kouyaté, another former prime minister. His party plans to appeal the decision.

A Controversial Transition

The election is scheduled for December 28. It aims to cap a formal transition to civilian rule.

However, the road to this vote has faced delays. In 2022, the military government proposed a two-year timeline. This followed negotiations with the regional bloc ECOWAS. Unfortunately, the administration failed to meet that initial deadline.

If successful next month, Doumbouya could secure a fresh mandate. This would allow him to lead the country for another seven years.

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