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Guinea Referendum Delivers Provisional ‘Yes’ Landslide, Paving Way for Doumbouya

Provisional tallies indicate a sweeping approval that election officials say easily meets the turnout required for adoption.

Citizens hold signs as they take part in a rally during the awareness campaign for the upcoming September 21 referendum on a new constitution, in Conakry, Guinea September 16, 2025. The signs read "I vote yes". REUTERS/Souleymane Camara/File Photo
Fishing boats are anchored along the shore in Conakry, Guinea, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)
Motorcycles travel through a roundabout in Conakry, Guinea, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)
CORRECTS TITLE OF MILITARY LEADER People walk past a mural showing Guinea's interim president, Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, ahead of the constitutional referendum in Conakry, Guinea, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)

Overview

  • The Directorate General of Elections reported 90.06% voting “yes” and 9.04% “no,” with turnout of 91.4% across more than 80% of polling stations, clearing the 50% threshold.
  • The draft replaces the transition charter and drops its ban on junta members seeking office, legally enabling Gen. Mamady Doumbouya to run for president.
  • It lengthens the presidential term from five to seven years, renewable twice, and creates a Senate in which one-third of seats are appointed by the president.
  • The vote followed an opposition boycott after suspensions of major parties and media restrictions, with rights groups alleging enforced disappearances and a broader crackdown.
  • Authorities mounted a large security operation with about 45,000 personnel and 1,000 vehicles and helicopters, and officials say national elections are expected later this year without a set date.