Guinea’s Junta Leader Mamady Doumbouya Transits to President After Transitional Vote
Guinea’s transitional leader, General Mamady Doumbouya, has been declared winner of the country’s presidential election, securing a sweeping victory in the first round and paving the way for his formal transition from military ruler to civilian president.
According to provisional results announced by the national election authorities, Doumbouya won an overwhelming majority of the votes cast, comfortably surpassing the threshold required to avoid a runoff.
The election — the first since the 2021 military takeover — recorded a high voter turnout as millions of Guineans went to the polls in anticipation of a return to constitutional rule.
The result is still subject to confirmation by the Supreme Court, which is expected to review petitions and validate the final tally in the coming days. Once confirmed, Doumbouya will begin a new presidential term under the country’s recently adopted constitution.
Doumbouya first came to power in September 2021 after leading a coup that removed former President Alpha Condé.
At the time, he promised to oversee a transition and steer the country back to democratic governance. However, his eventual decision to contest the presidential election drew criticism from sections of the opposition and civil society, who accused the junta of reshaping political and legal structures in a way that favoured his candidacy.
The election period unfolded under tight political conditions, with several prominent opposition figures either restricted, in exile, or unable to participate fully in the process. Some groups questioned the fairness of the environment in which the vote was conducted, while others argued that stability and continuity were necessary after years of political turbulence.
Supporters of Doumbouya have hailed the outcome as a mandate for continued reforms and economic restructuring, pointing to ongoing infrastructure initiatives and renewed activity in Guinea’s strategic mining sector, including major iron ore and bauxite projects.
They say the new administration will be better positioned to consolidate these efforts under a civilian framework.
For many Guineans, the election represents both a turning point and a test — marking the end of a turbulent transitional period while raising questions about inclusiveness, democratic rebuilding and the future direction of governance in the West African nation.
