Guinea’s junta leader, Gen Mamady Doumbouya, is leading a disputed presidential election, according to partial results, amid restrictions on social media.
The 41-year-old seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted then-President Alpha Condé. He initially promised not to run for office but changed course after a new constitution, passed in September, allowed him to stand.
Official results show Gen Doumbouya securing more than 80% of the vote in several districts in the capital, Conakry, as well as in Boffa, Fria, Gaoual, Koundara, Labe, and Nzerekore.
Opposition parties were largely excluded from the election, and civil society groups have criticised the vote as a “charade.” NetBlocks reported restrictions on platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, which opponents say are aimed at limiting criticism.
Eight other candidates participated, but none have the political influence of the banned parties RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG. While Gen Doumbouya enjoys support among some of Guinea’s youth, he has faced criticism for curbing protests and restricting press freedom.
Gen Doumbouya justified his 2021 coup by citing corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement under Condé. Guinea is rich in natural resources, including the world’s largest bauxite reserves and major iron ore deposits such as the Simandou mine. Yet over half the population lives in poverty, according to World Bank data.
