Mamady Doumbouya, the head of Guinea's junta, was elected president after securing a majority of the vote, according to the country's electoral commission on Tuesday. Doumbouya, who initially pledged not to run for office after seizing power in a 2021 coup, garnered 86.72% of the first-round vote, surpassing the threshold needed to avoid a runoff.

The election saw Doumbouya face eight rivals, but key opposition leaders were barred from participating and had called for a boycott of the vote held over the weekend. Their exclusion raised concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process.

Doumbouya's decision to contest the presidency marked a reversal of his earlier commitment to transition the country back to civilian rule by the end of 2024. He initially took power after leading a coup that toppled Guinea's first freely elected president. Since then, critics have accused his government of cracking down on civil liberties.

The election commission's announcement followed a period of political uncertainty in the mineral-rich West African nation. The boycott by opposition parties underscored deep divisions and questions about the legitimacy of the election results. The international community has yet to issue a comprehensive response, and observers are closely monitoring the situation for potential implications on regional stability.

Further details regarding the election's conduct and any potential challenges to the results are expected in the coming days. The focus now shifts to Doumbouya's upcoming inauguration and the composition of his new government, as well as the response from both domestic and international actors.