What You Need to Know
Guinea’s authorities have called on critics of the recent presidential elections to adopt a more objective stance, following General Mamadi Doumbouya’s significant victory. Despite this outcome, the elections have been overshadowed by allegations of exclusion and irregularities. These concerns have prompted reactions from both government officials and international observers, raising questions about the electoral process and its broader implications.
Africa. Guinea’s authorities have urged critics of the recent presidential elections to be more objective following General Mamadi Doumbouya’s victory in the first round, where he received 86.72% of the votes, according to preliminary results released by the General Directorate of Elections on December 30, 2025, shortly before midnight.
This victory comes amid a highly contentious electoral context, with several opposition figures denouncing the results, including former Prime Minister and opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo, who described the elections as a “sham” due to the absence of prominent political figures, either in exile or imprisoned, effectively excluding them from the presidential race.
In direct response to these criticisms, current Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, who also served as the campaign manager for President Mamadi Doumbouya, defended the electoral process, asserting that the opponents of the results are “completely disconnected from the will and direction of the people.”
Bah Oury stated in a radio interview that critics of the elections “adopt, as in the past, a political culture that denies everything and distorts all that is accomplished,” adding that this approach reflects their disconnection from the political and social reality in the country and from the popular will expressed at the ballot box.
The Prime Minister warned critics of the results against continuing down this path, saying: “It would be wise for them to change their approach and be more objective, or else the majority of the Guinean people will ultimately not listen to them.”
With this victory, Mamadi Doumbouya strengthens his position at the head of power after four years since the military coup that brought him to power. Abdullah Yero Baldé, leader of the Guinean Democratic Front, came in second with 6.59% of the votes, according to the preliminary official results.
Regarding participation, the head of the General Directorate of Elections, Djenabou Tori, announced that the turnout rate was 80.95%, which is lower than the preliminary figure announced at the closing of polling stations on election day.
As for the stance of international observers, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reported that the elections were held “in a calm and peaceful atmosphere,” while also noting “questions regarding the inclusiveness of the electoral process.”
Observers congratulated the Guinean authorities on the good organization of the elections, praising the conduct of the voting in a peaceful and orderly environment, with a “good turnout rate,” without specifying an exact number. They also described the voting process as organized, despite what they termed “some noise” at the end of the day, particularly after the late announcement of an extension of the voting period by an additional hour.
In conclusion, the African Union called for support for Guinea by “considering lifting the sanctions” imposed since General Doumbouya’s coup, emphasizing the need to restore citizens’ trust in institutions.
However, both the African Union and ECOWAS pointed out the absence of prominent political figures from the electoral scene, including Cellou Dalein Diallo, Sidya Toure, and former President Alpha Conde, stating that this absence “raises serious questions about the inclusiveness of the elections.”
ECOWAS went further, expressing concern over “a decline in press freedom and political liberties,” which, according to them, limits the conditions for full and fair competition. They also noted that representatives of Doumbouya’s opponents were present in less than 10% of the polling stations visited, compared to about 93% representation for the leading candidate.
ECOWAS also expressed deep regret over the events in the city of Kérouané, located in the Kankan region, the birthplace of the president, where ballot boxes were illegally transported to the headquarters of the General Directorate of Elections under the pretext of poor lighting in polling centers.
Among the key conclusions of the monitoring missions, in addition to the call for considering lifting sanctions, was the demand for Guinean authorities to “effectively combat the phenomenon of abduction and enforced disappearance,” as these factors undermine citizens’ trust in the political and institutional process in the country.
Guinea has experienced significant political upheaval in recent years, particularly following the military coup that brought Mamadi Doumbouya to power. The transition to civilian rule has been fraught with challenges, including accusations of political repression and the exclusion of key opposition figures from the electoral process. These dynamics have shaped the current political landscape, leading to heightened tensions and skepticism regarding the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.
The recent elections were conducted under the shadow of these issues, with international observers noting both the organization of the polls and the concerns raised about the inclusivity of the electoral body.
