Guinea Election Commission Declares Junta Leader Mamady Doumbouya President

Guinea's junta chief, Mamady Doumbouya, has been declared president after securing a sweeping majority in the recent presidential election, according to initial results published by the country's election commission. Doumbouya, 41, faced eight rivals in the race, but main opposition leaders were barred from participating and had urged a boycott of the vote held over the weekend. The general, who led a coup in September 2021, reneged on his earlier promise not to seek office and to return the mineral-rich but economically struggling West African nation to civilian rule by the end of 2024. The election commission reported that Doumbouya secured over 86% of the first-round vote, well above the threshold required to avoid a runoff. Voter turnout was nearly 81%, according to Djenabou Toure, head of the election body. However, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution, a citizens' movement advocating for civilian rule, questioned the official figures, calling the election a 'charade.' Allegations of irregularities, including ballot stuffing and voter coercion, were raised by some candidates. The vote followed a constitutional referendum in late September that allowed junta members to run for office, extending presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once.