Guinea to Hold Referendum and Elections in 2025, PM Confirms

Guinea to Hold Referendum, Presidential, and Legislative Elections in 2025

Guinea’s ruling junta has announced that the country will conduct a constitutional referendum, as well as presidential and legislative elections, before the end of 2025. This move is part of efforts to transition back to civilian rule, four years after the military seized power in a coup.

A Critical Year for Guinea’s Political Future

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah confirmed the government’s commitment to restoring constitutional order during a press conference in Conakry on Wednesday.

“In 2025, the return to constitutional order will be effective, with the organization of the constitutional referendum and presidential and legislative elections,” Bah stated.

While no exact dates have been provided, Bah emphasized that authorities are carefully planning the electoral process to avoid potential instability.

Challenges in Organizing Transparent Elections

The prime minister acknowledged obstacles in preparing for the elections, particularly regarding the Constitution and electoral roll.

“The main difficulty we must overcome is the Constitution and the electoral roll, which can be a source of destabilization in some countries,” he noted, adding that Guinea has struggled to establish a consensual electoral roll for several years.

To ensure transparency, Bah has instructed the Ministry of Territorial Administration to form a steering committee that will keep all political stakeholders informed and involved in setting the election timeline.

Concerns Over Opposition Disappearances

Despite these election promises, Guinea’s political climate remains tense, with growing concerns over the disappearance of prominent opposition figures.

Two opposition activists, Oumar Sylla (Fonike Mengue) and Mamadou Billo Bah, have been missing since July 2024 after calling for a return to civilian rule. Additionally, journalist Habib Marouane Camara, who runs the Lerevelateur224 news website, has not been seen since December 3.

Bah addressed these concerns, stating that investigations are ongoing, but warned against drawing premature conclusions. He dismissed accusations that the junta was responsible for their disappearance.

Will General Doumbouya Run for President?

General Mamady Doumbouya, who led the 2021 coup, has repeatedly stated that he will not run in the upcoming presidential election. However, sources close to him are reportedly pushing for his candidacy.

The Transitional Charter, drafted after the coup, bars members of the junta and current officeholders from contesting elections. However, the upcoming constitutional referendum could alter these restrictions.

If passed, the new Constitution would establish presidential term limits of two five-year terms. The final version of the document is yet to be confirmed, raising speculation about whether the junta might amend the rules to allow Doumbouya’s participation.