Guinea Junta Leader Declared Winner in First Post-Coup Presidential Election

Conakry, Guinea: Guinea’s military ruler, Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, has been provisionally declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, marking the first national vote since the 2021 military coup that ousted former President Alpha Condé.

According to Guinea’s General Directorate of Elections, Doumbouya won 86.72 percent of the vote in the December 28 poll, defeating his closest challenger, Yéro Baldé, who secured about 6.5 percent.

The election followed the adoption of a new constitution in September that lifted restrictions barring military leaders from running for office and extended presidential terms from five to seven years—changes that cleared the way for Doumbouya’s candidacy despite earlier assurances he would not contest the presidency.

Officials reported voter turnout of approximately 81 percent among more than 6.7 million registered voters and said the vote was largely peaceful.

However, opposition figures and civil society groups have questioned the credibility of the process, citing the exclusion and exile of key opposition leaders, limits on political activity, and a weakened opposition landscape.

Guinea’s Supreme Court has up to eight days to review and confirm the provisional results.