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. The decision by Doumbouya to stand in the election marked a reversal of his earlier commitment to return the West African nation to civilian rule by the end of 2024.

Doumbouya led a coup in 2021 that ousted Guinea's first freely elected president. Since then, his government has faced criticism for cracking down on civil liberties. The junta's actions have raised concerns among international observers regarding the country's democratic trajectory.

The election commission's announcement has triggered mixed reactions within Guinea, with supporters of Doumbouya celebrating the victory and opposition voices questioning the legitimacy of the process. The barring of opposition leaders from running has fueled concerns about the fairness and transparency of the election.

The outcome of the election and Doumbouya's continued leadership are expected to have significant implications for Guinea's political landscape and its relationship with international partners. The focus will now likely shift to Doumbouya's policy agenda and his administration's approach to governance, human rights, and economic development in the mineral-rich nation.