Tue Dec 30 23:34:58 UTC 2025: News Article: Guinea Coup Leader Doumbouya Elected President in Controversial Vote
Conakry, Guinea – Guinea coup leader Mamady Doumbouya has been declared the winner of the presidential election, securing 86.72% of the vote according to provisional results announced Tuesday. This victory paves the way for a return to civilian rule after nearly five years under military leadership, following Doumbouya’s 2021 coup that ousted then-President Alpha Conde.
Doumbouya faced eight rivals in the December 28th election, but the leading opposition figures were barred from participating and had called for a boycott. The Supreme Court now has eight days to validate the results amidst potential challenges.
The election has been marred by controversy. Opposition candidate Faya Lansana Millimono alleged “systematic fraudulent practices,” claiming observers were prevented from monitoring voting and ballot counting. Concerns have also been raised about the high voter turnout, reported at 80.95%, especially given the limited participation observed in the capital, Conakry.
Critics point to a severely restricted election campaign, with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk citing intimidation of opposition figures, politically motivated disappearances, and constraints on media freedom. Political activity has remained tightly controlled under Doumbouya’s rule, with accusations of banned demonstrations and restricted press freedom.
Doumbouya’s rise to power in 2021 marked one of a series of coups that have reshaped politics in West and Central Africa since 2020. After initially promising not to run for office, a new constitution approved in a September referendum removed restrictions barring military members from contesting elections.
Doumbouya has highlighted progress on the Simandou iron ore project as evidence of his leadership, positioning himself as a champion of resource nationalism, similar to policies adopted in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He has also moved towards greater state control of the mining sector, most notably revoking the license of Emirates Global Aluminium’s subsidiary Guinea Alumina Corporation.
The election’s outcome and the continued control of Guinea’s political landscape under Doumbouya’s leadership raise questions about the true nature of the transition to civilian rule.
First Piper 