In a groundbreaking announcement that heralds a pivotal shift toward political renewal, Guinea’s transitional government has officially proclaimed that the country’s first presidential election since the 2021 upheaval will take place on December 28, 2025.

This eagerly awaited electoral event unfolds against the backdrop of a newly ratified constitution, igniting vibrant debates and heightened anticipation about what these changes mean for the nation’s democratic aspirations.

The declaration follows the release of provisional results from a national referendum earlier this month, which revealed a remarkable surge of public enthusiasm and support for the new constitutional framework. This revised constitution introduces several significant changes, including the extension of presidential terms from five to seven years, the establishment of a Senate, and, perhaps most controversially, the lifting of restrictions that previously barred members of the ruling junta from participating in the electoral process.

These sweeping constitutional revisions effectively pave the way for Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the military leader who orchestrated the 2021 coup, to potentially launch a presidential campaign. Although he has not yet formally declared his candidacy, insiders within the ruling coalition suggest that such a move is not only probable but increasingly likely, raising serious concerns among opposition parties and civil society advocates.

Critics, spanning a broad coalition of opposition groups and civic organizations, have denounced the constitutional revisions as a blatant power grab. They assert that these changes jeopardize Guinea’s fragile democratic transition and threaten to solidify military rule under the guise of civilian governance.

“The constitution has been meticulously crafted to serve the junta leader’s agenda,” declared a spokesperson from a leading opposition party. “This is not a genuine attempt to restore democracy; it is a strategic maneuver designed to perpetuate authoritarian rule dressed as democracy.”

The impending election is poised to attract intense scrutiny from both regional and international observers, particularly in light of the country’s tumultuous recent past. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emphasized the critical importance of ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process. At the same time, the African Union has called for inclusive participation from all political stakeholders to cultivate a genuinely democratic environment.

Political analysts predict that the December election will serve as a significant litmus test for Guinea’s political landscape. The outcome could signal a triumphant return to constitutional order, heralding a new era of legitimate and accountable democratic governance, or it could signify the entrenchment of military-backed rule masquerading as civilian leadership. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Guinea, anxiously awaiting how this defining chapter in its history will unfold.

Image Source:aljazeera.com