Guinea's Top Court Clears Junta Leader for Presidential Run

The Supreme Court of Guinea approved military junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya's bid to run in the December 28 presidential election. The court validated the candidacy of Doumbouya, 40, and eight others, Yaya Boiro, Supreme Court president, said in a provisional ruling in the capital Conakry on Saturday. The candidates submitted complete applications and are in good physical and mental health, the ruling said. According to the ruling, Doumbouya and the other eight candidates met the necessary requirements to participate in the election. "The candidates submitted complete applications and are in good physical and mental health," Boiro said. The court's decision is seen as a significant development in Guinea's electoral process, which has been marred by controversy and uncertainty in recent months. Guinea, a west African nation that is the world's biggest exporter of bauxite, has been under military rule since a coup in September 2021. The country's transition to democracy has been slow, with the military junta initially agreeing to hold elections within six months but later extending the timeline. Doumbouya, a 40-year-old military officer, has been at the helm of the junta since the coup. His decision to run for president has been met with both support and criticism from various quarters. Some see him as a strong leader who can bring stability and economic growth to the country, while others view him as a power-hungry individual who is seeking to consolidate his grip on power. The opposition has expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the election process, citing the military's continued presence in the country and the lack of a level playing field for all candidates. "We are not convinced that the election will be free and fair," said a spokesperson for the opposition coalition. "The military's continued presence in the country creates an uneven playing field for all candidates." The Supreme Court's decision has paved the way for Doumbouya and the other candidates to campaign for the presidency. The election is scheduled to take place on December 28, and the results are expected to be announced in the following days.