Guinea Votes on Constitution Allowing Military Leader to Run for President

Guinea Holds Referendum on Controversial New Constitution Polls opened in Guinea on Sunday for a referendum that could allow the country's military leader to run for president, despite opposition from various quarters. General Mamady Doumbouya seized power in a coup in 2021 and vowed to return the country to civilian rule by the end of last year. The draft constitution, which would pave the way for elections, has been criticized for allowing members of the military to seek office, extending presidential terms from five years to seven years, and making it harder for political parties to run in elections. The "yes" campaign has held numerous events, including rallies, Quran readings, and concerts, while plastering Conakry with posters. "We are confident that the people will approve this new constitution," said Amadou Ba, a spokesperson for the "yes" campaign. "It is a step forward for our country's development and stability." However, opposition groups have been vocal in their criticism of the draft constitution. "This referendum is a sham," said Cellou Dalein Diallo, leader of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG). "The military is trying to consolidate its power and eliminate any opposition." The opposition has been largely silenced by a crackdown on dissent, with many activists arrested or forced into hiding. The "no" campaign has been mostly relegated to social media, where it has struggled to gain traction. Polls are set to close at 6:00 p.m. local time (18:00 GMT), but electoral authorities said the results won't be known until Tuesday evening at the earliest. The outcome is seen as crucial for Guinea's future, with many fearing that a "yes" vote would cement the military's grip on power. Background -------- Guinea has been ruled by a military junta since 2021, when General Doumbouya seized power in a coup. Despite vowing to return the country to civilian rule by the end of last year, Doumbouya has instead pushed for a new constitution that would allow him to run for president. The draft constitution has been criticized by opposition groups and human rights organizations, who say it would undermine democratic principles and entrench military rule. The International Crisis Group has warned that the referendum could "cement the military's grip on power" and "eliminate any opposition." Additional Perspectives ---------------------- Some analysts see the referendum as a test of Guinea's commitment to democracy. "If the people approve this new constitution, it will be a significant step forward for our country," said Dr. Ibrahima Sow, a political scientist at the University of Conakry. Others are more skeptical, warning that the draft constitution would undermine democratic principles and entrench military rule. "This referendum is a recipe for disaster," said Dr. Amadou Ba, a human rights activist. "It will only serve to consolidate the military's power and eliminate any opposition." Current Status -------------- Polls are currently underway in Guinea, with voters casting their ballots on whether to approve the new constitution. The outcome is seen as crucial for the country's future, with many fearing that a "yes" vote would cement the military's grip on power. The results of the referendum won't be known until Tuesday evening at the earliest, when electoral authorities are expected to announce the final tally. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: Guinea's future hangs in the balance. *Reporting by Dw.*