Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea’s military leader, is organizing a constitutional referendum for September 21, 2025, as a step toward restoring civilian rule. Doumbouya, who led a coup in September 2021, faces challenges in transitioning to democracy and is under scrutiny for suppressing opposition parties. The junta’s draft constitution may allow him to run in future elections, raising concerns over the democratic process.
Guinea’s military leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has announced a constitutional referendum scheduled for September 21, 2025, marking a potential move towards reinstating civilian governance. This announcement was made on state television through a formal decree. Doumbouya ascended to power following a coup in September 2021 and had initially suggested a two-year transition to elections for 2022, a plan that was ultimately unfulfilled.
The country failed to meet its December 31, 2024 deadline for restoring civilian rule, as Doumbouya has been hesitant to facilitate a return to democracy, similar to several other West African nations experiencing military-led governance delays. In July 2024, the ruling junta presented a draft constitution that might permit Doumbouya to vie for the presidency in the upcoming election. The government insists that the referendum must be completed prior to any general elections or a re-establishment of constitutional order.
In addition, the political landscape in Guinea faces significant challenges, as opposition voices are largely suppressed. The two previous ruling parties have their operations suspended, while the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), which is a significant opposition party, remains under close surveillance by authorities.
In conclusion, Mamady Doumbouya’s scheduled constitutional referendum on September 21, 2025, represents a crucial step toward the reinstatement of civilian governance in Guinea. However, the political atmosphere is marred by suppression of opposition parties and delays in the transition to democracy, which raises concerns about the viability of a genuine democratic process in the country. Doumbouya’s potential ability to run for president under a new constitution further complicates this issue, as tensions within Guinea’s political framework continue to rise.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
