Overview
- UN human rights chief Volker Türk said Guinea’s campaign has featured intimidation, politically motivated enforced disappearances and constraints on media freedom, urging authorities to ensure voting without fear.
- In Guinea, junta leader Mamady Doumbouya is the clear frontrunner after a September referendum enabled his candidacy and extended presidential terms to seven years, with major opposition figures barred and rivals urging a boycott.
- In the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra bids for a third term alongside legislative, regional and local votes, with several opposition parties calling a boycott and provisional results due January 5.
- Security in the Central African Republic relies heavily on Russian Wagner mercenaries working with state forces, while opposition candidates reported obstacles such as denied flights and access to rally venues.
- Côte d’Ivoire held legislative elections Saturday, where the ruling RHDP is expected to retain its majority in the 255-seat assembly, as the PPA-CI boycotted and some Abidjan polling sites opened late due to heavy rain.