Guinea's Referendum Vote Count Underway: Could Junta Leader Run for President?

In Guinea, vote counting is ongoing for a referendum that may permit junta leader Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya to pursue the presidency. This pivotal vote is crucial for the country's transition from military to civilian governance amid regional instability.

Vote counting began in Guinea on Sunday evening for a referendum on a draft constitution. This could allow the junta leader to run for president. The referendum is crucial for transitioning from military to civilian rule. Critics see it as a power grab by Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power four years ago. Guinea joins Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where military takeovers have occurred.

Polling stations opened at 7 am and were scheduled to close at 6 pm, though some extended voting hours. The Directorate General of Elections, led by two officials appointed by Doumbouya, organised the referendum. A minimum turnout of 50% is required for the referendum to pass. Elections are anticipated in December.

Referendum Atmosphere and Voter Sentiments

In central Conakry, residents dressed in their best clothes queued before dawn to vote. Mabinty Kalabane, a 23-year-old baker, voted for the first time wearing a dress gifted by her mother. "I feel proud. I feel 100 per cent Guinean, thanks to this card," she expressed about her voting card. She planned to vote "yes" after reading parts of the draft constitution.

Despite the festive mood at polling stations, tanks and military barricades reminded citizens of junta rule. Doumbouya arrived at a voting station with his family, protected by heavily armed special forces. His presence was closely guarded from journalists and citizens.

Opposition's Boycott and Campaign Restrictions

The opposition urged supporters to boycott the referendum due to restrictions on campaigning. The military regime had dissolved over 50 political parties last year, claiming it was to "clean up the political chessboard." Weeks before the vote, three main opposition parties were suspended, preventing them from organising rallies or communicating with the public.

Rafiou Sow, president of the opposition Renewal and Progress Party, stated that more than half of Guinea's population is illiterate. This means they only receive information from the "yes" camp. "Our activists and supporters have no knowledge of this constitution," he said. "We are forbidden even to speak."

Public Opinion and Junta's Influence

Ibrahima Sory Diallo, a clothes seller from Conakry's suburb Kaporo-Rails, followed the opposition's call for a boycott. "It's not going well in the country," he remarked. "Everyone is suffering." Meanwhile, Tiguidanké Guirassy, a university graduate inspired by Doumbouya's progress in infrastructure, supported the new constitution.

Doumbouya initially claimed he would not seek presidency but now appears poised to run under the new draft constitution. It allows junta members to contest elections and extends presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable twice.

Constitutional Changes and Criticisms

If adopted, the new constitution would introduce changes like creating a Senate and allowing independent candidates in elections. Fanta Conte from Guinea's National Transition Council stated that the referendum focuses on empowering the legislative branch rather than Doumbouya himself.

Kabinet Fofana of the Guinean Association of Political Sciences noted that while constitutional direction is positive, respect for it remains an issue. Critics argue that this referendum legitimises military rule but many Guineans are drawn to Doumbouya's vision for a prosperous future.

The World Food Program reports that despite Guinea's rich resources, over half its 15 million people face poverty and food insecurity. Doumbouya justified his 2021 coup as necessary to prevent chaos after ousting President Alpha Conde for unfulfilled promises.

With inputs from PTI