Guinea’s military ruler Mamady Doumbouya claimed a landslide victory in the nation’s presidential race, garnering over 86 percent of ballots in provisional tallies announced Tuesday, despite widespread opposition abstentions and accusations of widespread electoral misconduct.
The 41-year-old general, who seized power in a 2021 putsch, triumphed in the first round with 86.72 percent of votes against eight rivals, according to the General Directorate of Elections, amid a reported voter participation rate of 80.95 percent.
Doumbouya dominated in major hubs, including the capital Conakry and regions like Coyah, Boffa, Fria, Gaoual, Koundara, Labé, and Nzérékoré, where he exceeded 80 percent support.8971cd
The poll, Guinea’s first since the coup that ousted longtime leader Alpha Condé, drew sharp rebuke from dissenting voices who boycotted the process and decried it as illegitimate.
The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), a prominent anti-junta coalition, dismissed the outcome outright, declaring: “A huge majority of Guineans chose to boycott the electoral charade.”
They asserted the results failed to capture public sentiment in the West African state, known for its vast mineral resources yet plagued by poverty.
Contender Abdoulaye Yero Baldé lambasted “serious irregularities,” alleging his monitors were barred from tallying sites and citing ballot stuffing.
Fellow candidate Faya Millimono branded the vote “electoral banditry,” charging officials with coercing participants.
Doumbouya’s bid contradicted his initial vow to hand over to civilians by late 2024, enabled instead by a September referendum-endorsed charter that permitted junta figures to compete, stretched terms to seven years with one renewal, and set an 80-year age ceiling excluding veterans like Condé, Sidya Touré, and exiled ex-premier Cellou Dalein Diallo.
Since assuming control, the regime has curtailed demonstrations, muzzled media, and drawn criticism for detaining or forcing adversaries abroad, framing the election as a bid to entrench armed forces dominance.
