SUNTV Global Channel | December 31, 2025
Guinea’s former military ruler, Mamady Doumbouya, has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, marking a formal transition from military rule to civilian governance—four years after he seized power in a coup.
Provisional results released on Tuesday show Doumbouya securing 86.72 percent of the votes cast in the December 28 election, an overwhelming majority that eliminates the need for a runoff. Election officials said the Supreme Court has eight days to validate the outcome should any legal challenges arise.
Doumbouya, a former special forces commander believed to be in his early 40s, came to power in 2021 after overthrowing long-serving president Alpha Condé. His ascent was part of a wave of military takeovers that have reshaped political landscapes across West and Central Africa since 2020.
The victory grants Doumbouya a seven-year presidential mandate and had been widely anticipated, especially with key opposition figures—including former president Condé and veteran opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo—still living in exile. He faced eight challengers in a fragmented opposition field.
Although Guinea’s original post-coup charter barred junta members from contesting elections, those restrictions were removed under a new constitution approved in a September referendum, paving the way for Doumbouya’s candidacy.
According to Djenabou Touré, head of the national electoral body, voter turnout stood at 80.95 percent. However, participation appeared noticeably lower in parts of the capital, Conakry, and opposition politicians have questioned the credibility of the high turnout figures—echoing similar concerns raised after the constitutional referendum.
Guinea’s vast natural resources have played a central role in Doumbouya’s political messaging. The country hosts the world’s largest bauxite reserves and the massive Simandou iron ore deposit, which was officially launched last month after years of delays. Doumbouya has claimed credit for advancing the project and ensuring stronger national benefits.
His administration has also embraced a policy of resource nationalism, revoking the licence of Guinea Alumina Corporation, a subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium, amid a refinery dispute and transferring its assets to a state-owned company. Similar approaches in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have resonated with young populations across the region.
Doumbouya’s popularity has further been boosted by his age in a country where the median age is just 19 years. However, critics say political space has narrowed significantly under his leadership.
Civil society groups accuse his government of banning protests, restricting opposition activities and curbing press freedom. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk last week described the campaign period as “severely restricted,” citing intimidation of opposition figures, alleged enforced disappearances and constraints on media operations.
Opposition candidate Faya Lansana Millimono also rejected the results, alleging “systematic fraudulent practices” and claiming that election observers were blocked from monitoring voting and vote-counting processes.
As Guinea awaits final validation of the results, Doumbouya’s election underscores a broader regional trend: military leaders recasting themselves as civilian presidents—raising fresh questions about democracy, legitimacy and governance in West Africa.
Reporting by SUNTV Global Channel.
