The coup leader and interim president Mamady Doumbouya has won the presidential election in Guinea, West Africa.
December 31, 2025, 05:05December 31, 2025, 05:05
According to preliminary results from the electoral commission, the 41-year-old received 86.7 percent of the vote. This means he won an absolute majority; a runoff is not necessary. The vote is considered the completion of the transition process following the 2021 military coup. The results must be confirmed by the Supreme Court in the coming days.
According to official reports, junta leader Mamady Doumbouya clearly won the controversial election.Image: keystone
Doumbouya defeated eight challengers. According to official information, voter turnout was almost 81 percent. However, opposition representatives questioned the value after several media outlets reported subdued turnout at polling stations in opposition strongholds.
The then colonel and commander of the special forces, now a general, overthrew President Alpha Condé in September 2021 and has since led Guinea as interim president. Before that, he served for years in the French military on numerous foreign missions. He justified the coup with the fight against abuse of power and corruption.
The military had initially promised not to take part
The military rulers had originally declared that they would not take part themselves. However, that promise was overturned by a new constitution adopted in a controversial referendum in September. The opposition accused Doumbouya of wanting to secure power.
The most important opposition politician and the largest opposition parties were excluded from the election. Critics also complain about restrictions on press freedom and harsh actions by security forces.
Hopes for growth through iron ore and bauxite
During the election campaign, Doumbouya campaigned on stability and economic development. Many Guineans are hoping for the large-scale Simandou mining project, one of the world’s most important iron ore deposits, which began operations in November. Guinea is also one of the leading exporters of bauxite, from which aluminum is made. However, in terms of health, education and general quality of life, the coastal state with around 15 million inhabitants is one of the poorest states in the world.
In terms of foreign policy, unlike the other military rulers in the region under Doumbouya, Guinea maintained close relations with Western states, especially France. With the formal completion of the transition, the country could be readmitted to the West African community of states Ecowas, from which it was suspended after the coup. (sda/dpa)