Sun Sep 21 09:43:37 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Guinea held a referendum on a new constitution that could allow coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president, despite a previous agreement barring coup members from participating in elections. The proposed constitution extends the presidential term and creates a Senate with presidentially-appointed members. Critics fear the referendum is a power grab, legitimizing the current military rule, while the government maintains the new constitution is progressive. Key opposition figures have called for a boycott.

**News Article:**

**Guinea Votes on New Constitution Amid Concerns of Power Grab**

**Conakry, Guinea** – Guineans headed to the polls Sunday to vote in a referendum on a new constitution that has sparked controversy and fears of consolidating military rule. The proposed changes, if approved, could pave the way for current coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president, despite a prior agreement barring coup members from contesting elections.

The new constitution also aims to extend the presidential term from five to seven years, renewable once, and establish a Senate with a significant portion of its members directly appointed by the president. The government has deployed over 40,000 security personnel to oversee the vote.

While the government hails the draft as a progressive step, critics view it as a power grab by Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup four years ago. Despite a self-imposed deadline to return to civilian rule by December, a presidential election is scheduled to take place in December.

“People who are opposed to this referendum are saying it will legitimise the current military rulership to participate in the election,” reports Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris from Conakry.

Prominent opposition leaders, including Cellou Dalein Diallo and deposed former President Alpha Conde, have called for a boycott of the referendum. Their parties are currently suspended, and Human Rights Watch has accused the military government of suppressing political opponents.

The referendum is being closely watched against a backdrop of political instability in West and Central Africa, where eight coups have occurred since 2023.

Results of the referendum are expected within the next two to three days.

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