Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Guinea Closes Constitutional Referendum That Could Clear Path for Doumbouya

Results are expected Tuesday evening following a campaign that largely muted dissent and drew an opposition boycott.

Overview

  • Polling stations closed after a heavily policed vote, with counting underway and provisional tallies due from Tuesday evening, election authorities said.
  • The draft constitution removes the transition charter’s ban on junta members running for office, enabling a potential presidential bid by General Mamadi Doumbouya.
  • Additional eligibility rules — an age window of 40–80 and a primary residence requirement — would effectively sideline exiled rivals including former president Alpha Condé and ex–prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo.
  • Authorities deployed about 45,000 security personnel, armored vehicles and helicopters, while the ‘yes’ campaign dominated public space and the ‘no’ camp urged a stay-at-home protest.
  • The UN rights office urged calm and transparency, Guinea remains suspended by the African Union, and ECOWAS sent a mission as the junta pledges elections later this year without setting dates.