Africa-Press – Liberia. Guineans residing here on Sunday joined their compatriots back home in their country’s referendum.
Guinean Ambassador to Liberia, Aboubacar Sylla, along with thousands of Guinean nationals residing in Liberia, joined their compatriots back home on Sunday, September 21, 2025, to cast their ballots in a landmark constitutional referendum.
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Ambassador Sylla paid a courtesy call to the Headquarters of the National Elections Commission (NEC) in furtherance of a request made to the Commission for electoral support.
NEC Liberia, in a statement after the meeting, said the Guinean request covers 10 ballot boxes and 10 voting booths, to facilitate a constitutional referendum scheduled for 21 September 2025 for members of the Guinean community residing in Liberia.
The discussions were held between the Guinean Diplomat and the Chairperson of NEC, Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah.
Ambassador Sylla was accompanied to the NEC Headquarters by Mr. Aboubacar Touré, Advisor in Charge of Economic Affairs at the Guinean Embassy.
In a Note Verbale dated 9 September 2025 to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sylla explained that the electoral materials would enable Guinean citizens in Liberia to participate in the referendum and express their views on the draft constitution developed by the National Transition Council of Guinea.
The Ambassador further conveyed his government’s appreciation for Liberia’s support, through NEC, in ensuring the smooth conduct of Guinea’s upcoming referendum.
Consequently, based on the diplomatic relations and the support from Liberia’s NEC, the Guinean Community in Liberia held its voting process at the Samuel K. Doe Basketball Gymnasium, which brought together hundreds of Guineans in Monrovia who cast votes seeking to adopt a new draft constitution as part of the transition plan that could significantly reshape the country’s political landscape.
During the vote, NEC electoral materials were visibly used along with officers of the Liberian National Police, who provided security as early as 7:00 a.m. to ensure that the referendum was held peacefully.
The proposed constitution introduces several significant changes, including provisions that would allow members of the junta to run for political office. This could pave the way for Gen. Doumbouya himself, who had previously pledged not to contest future elections.
Other key reforms include extending the presidential term from five to seven years—with the possibility of two re-elections—and the creation of a Senate, with some members appointed directly by the president.
While supporters argue that the referendum represents a step toward constitutional rule, critics contend that it is an attempt by Doumbouya to legitimize and extend his grip on power.
For the referendum to be considered valid, at least 50 percent of Guinea’s 6.7 million eligible voters must participate.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the New Dawn Newspaper on Sunday, following the casting of his vote, Ambassador Sylla expressed his appreciation to the government and people of Liberia, through the National Election Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the electoral assistance they provided.
According to him, the Liberian government plays a crucial role in assisting and enhancing the smoothness of the referendum held in the country.
At the same time, he also acknowledged and appreciated the Guinean Community for their massive support and presence during the process, while noting that their turnout demonstrated the people’s support.
” Today is our referendum. This is also held in Guinea. It started this morning in Guinea, and the pool will close at 6:00 pm. Similarly, we have joined them too. This couldn’t have been possible without the support of the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Election Commission, and the Liberian National Police. We want to thank the NEC for the ballot equipment and the Security for the protection, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for granting our request.” He concluded.
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