Mamady Doumbouya, the 41-year-old head of Guinea's junta, has won the country's presidential election in a landslide victory, securing over 86% of the vote despite widespread boycotts from opposition leaders. The election results have left many questioning the legitimacy of the outcome.
The junta leader had initially vowed not to run for office after seizing power four years ago, but ultimately decided to stand, reneging on his promise to hand over civilian rule by the end of 2024. Doumbouya's decision was seen as a major upset, given that he faced only eight rivals in the election.
The main opposition leaders were barred from running due to the new constitution, which permitted junta members to participate in the electoral process for the first time. This move was widely criticized by opponents of the regime, who accused Doumbouya and his allies of trying to manipulate the outcome.
Despite this, Doumbouya secured a sweeping majority of the vote, with over 80% turnout recorded in some areas of the capital, Conakry. However, critics claim that the figures are likely inflated, given the widespread boycotts from opposition leaders.
The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution, a citizens' movement calling for the return of civilian rule, has questioned the legitimacy of the election results. The group claims that Doumbouya's victory is not reflective of the will of the Guinean people, who chose to boycott the electoral process in protest of the regime.
Doumbouya's victory has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Guinea, a country with significant mineral resources but limited economic prospects. His rule has been marked by human rights abuses and suppression of civil liberties, with many opposition leaders arrested or forced into exile.
The new constitution, which permitted junta members to run for office, also lengthened presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once. This move was seen as a major setback for democratic institutions in Guinea, which have been undermined by the regime's authoritarian tactics.
As Doumbouya begins his presidency, many are left wondering what the future holds for Guinea and its people. Will he be able to deliver on his promise of civilian rule, or will his victory mark the beginning of a new era of authoritarianism? Only time will tell.
The junta leader had initially vowed not to run for office after seizing power four years ago, but ultimately decided to stand, reneging on his promise to hand over civilian rule by the end of 2024. Doumbouya's decision was seen as a major upset, given that he faced only eight rivals in the election.
The main opposition leaders were barred from running due to the new constitution, which permitted junta members to participate in the electoral process for the first time. This move was widely criticized by opponents of the regime, who accused Doumbouya and his allies of trying to manipulate the outcome.
Despite this, Doumbouya secured a sweeping majority of the vote, with over 80% turnout recorded in some areas of the capital, Conakry. However, critics claim that the figures are likely inflated, given the widespread boycotts from opposition leaders.
The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution, a citizens' movement calling for the return of civilian rule, has questioned the legitimacy of the election results. The group claims that Doumbouya's victory is not reflective of the will of the Guinean people, who chose to boycott the electoral process in protest of the regime.
Doumbouya's victory has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Guinea, a country with significant mineral resources but limited economic prospects. His rule has been marked by human rights abuses and suppression of civil liberties, with many opposition leaders arrested or forced into exile.
The new constitution, which permitted junta members to run for office, also lengthened presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once. This move was seen as a major setback for democratic institutions in Guinea, which have been undermined by the regime's authoritarian tactics.
As Doumbouya begins his presidency, many are left wondering what the future holds for Guinea and its people. Will he be able to deliver on his promise of civilian rule, or will his victory mark the beginning of a new era of authoritarianism? Only time will tell.
Mamady Doumbouya winning the presidential election in Guinea with 86% of the vote is insane! I mean, I get that he's got a lot of influence and support among his own people, but come on, 80% turnout? That sounds like a total manipulation job to me 
. And what really gets me is that opposition leaders were barred from running due to some new constitution that only allows junta members to participate. It just feels so... rigged. I've got friends who are Guinea-based and they're all freaking out about this, wondering if their country is even going to have a real democratic government anymore 
. I don't know what the future holds for Doumbouya or Guinea, but one thing's for sure: it's not looking good 
.
. It feels like he's just gonna keep consolidating power and suppressing dissent. But at the same time, I gotta give it to him - he did get 86% of the vote or whatever 
... so maybe the people of Guinea actually do want some stability after all? (Just don't expect me to celebrate his victory anytime soon 
I'm really worried about Guinea's future, you know? This election result is just so shady 
. With over 86% of the vote, it's like he just ignored the whole opposition 
. And that new constitution, ugh, it's just another way for the regime to cling to power 
. I mean, what happened to all those human rights abuses? Did they just magically disappear? 
. They deserve better than a president who's only interested in lining his own pockets 
. We need to see some serious reform before it's too late 
. Maybe it's time for the international community to step in and offer some guidance? 
But honestly, I don't know what the future holds... it just seems so uncertain 
. And now with him getting 86% of the vote, it's like he was just waving to everyone and they just did what they're told 
. I'm all for democracy, but this whole situation feels like a total setup 
.
. The fact that human rights abuses have gone unchecked is not okay at all 
. It's gotta be hard for the Guinean people right now, feeling like their voices aren't being heard 
. They're not afraid to speak truth to power and demand change 
!
. and it's not just guinea, man... this is happening all over the world in different ways 
. it makes me wonder if we're just sleepwalking into some kind of dystopia 
. are we really okay with sacrificing our freedom for security? or are we just trying to hold onto power instead of serving the people? 
i mean, we all no the regime's been dodgy from day one, but this is just crazy. what r u gonna do now? 
Guineans have every right to question this election result 
and now Mamady Doumbouya is in charge for life 
. And what's up with the constitution change, giving junta members a leg up? It just smells like an election rig 
guinea needs some serious democracy reform ASAP 
. Can you imagine having to choose between two bad options, like that's what's happening now? The fact that opposition leaders couldn't even run and that Doumbouya's team was all in on it... it feels super shady 
. I mean, I remember when we used to think democracy was about free and fair elections, not some rigged system where only one side gets a say. What happened to the 'good old days' of protests and marches? Now it's all just "the system" doing its thing 
... anyway, I guess only time will tell if Doumbouya's election is a total disaster 
... Guinea's got potential, but if they can't even have a legit election, how can we trust them to make good decisions? Guess only time will tell... and I'm not exactly holding my breath 
Only time will tell, but for now, I'm just keeping an eye on it. 
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. It feels like Doumbouya's just playing a game of politics where the rules don't apply to him 
. I hope the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution keeps pushing back on this, or else we might see more human rights abuses and less freedom for the Guinean people