Guinea’s military junta has set up a new election body, the Directorate General of Elections, to manage upcoming elections including a constitutional referendum and general elections in December 2025. However, concerns over credibility persist due to the dissolution of political parties and restrictions on independent media.
In a significant development for Guinea, the military junta has announced the establishment of a new body to oversee elections, including a crucial constitutional referendum set for September and the highly anticipated general and presidential elections scheduled for December.
Guinea has been one of several West African nations where military rule persists, stalling the promise of a return to civilian governance. General Mamadi Doumbouya, who has held power since 2021, had previously committed to initiating a democratic transition by December 31, 2024, but missed deadlines have spurred protests that disrupted normalcy in the capital, Conakry, earlier this year.
The newly formed Directorate General of Elections (DGE) will have a broad range of responsibilities. These include overseeing the organization of elections, managing the electoral register, and ensuring a fair electoral process, as outlined by Doumbouya in a decree broadcasted on state television. He noted that the two leaders of this new institution will be appointed via presidential decree.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah confirmed recently that the general and presidential elections are slated for December 2025. He also reiterated plans for a referendum aimed at adopting a new constitution on September 21, an initiative first introduced by the junta back in April.
However, concerns regarding electoral integrity loom large. The ruling military regime dissolved over 50 political parties last year, justifying the actions as a necessary step to “clean up the political chessboard.” Furthermore, numerous independent media organizations have faced increased repression, with social media platforms and private radio stations frequently shut down. Reports of attacks and arrests of journalists compound worries regarding the free flow of information in the country.
The establishment of the Directorate General of Elections signals a step toward organizing pivotal elections in Guinea, yet significant challenges remain. The junta’s previous delays, the dissolution of political parties, and the crackdown on independent media cast doubt on the credibility of the upcoming elections. As the country prepares for these key democratic processes, both the domestic and international communities will be closely watching to ensure fair practices are upheld.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
