Overview
- Guinea held a presidential election in which junta leader Mamady Doumbouya, allowed to run after a new constitution extended terms to seven years, was widely seen as the frontrunner against a fragmented field of eight others.
- The U.N. said Guinea’s campaign was marked by intimidation, enforced disappearances and media constraints, and security forces reported neutralising an armed group near Conakry a day before voting.
- In the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra sought a third term following a 2023 referendum that removed term limits, with security underpinned by Russian Wagner contractors and Rwandan troops.
- CAR opposition figures Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra stayed on the ballot after earlier administrative challenges, while provisional results are expected by January 5 with a runoff set for February 15 if needed.
- Ivory Coast’s legislative vote recorded a provisional turnout of about 32.35% after a boycott by Laurent Gbagbo’s PPA-CI, as President Alassane Ouattara’s RHDP looked to retain its majority.