Guinea Votes in Historic Poll as Junta Leader Doumbouya Favored. Conakry, Guinea — December 28, 2025 Lead Paragraph: Polls opened in Guinea on Sunday for the country’s first presidential election since the 2021 coup, a landmark vote that has seen junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya favored to win.
The election, which marks Guinea’s transition from a military rule, is under a new constitution that lifted a ban on military leaders running for office and extended the presidential term.
The election is taking place under a tense atmosphere, with the junta’s clampdown on dissent raising concerns among opposition figures and activists. General Doumbouya has no significant rival in the race, as two opposition candidates have been barred and two others forced into exile. His campaign has focused on major infrastructure projects and reforms initiated since he assumed power.
The junta’s flagship project is the Simandou iron ore project, a Chinese-owned mining venture that recently began production.
The national development plan tied to this project aims to create tens of thousands of jobs and diversify the economy. Despite Guinea’s abundant mineral resources, more than half of its population is living in poverty, a situation that has prompted high expectations from the youth.
In the capital of Conakry, high school student Mamadama Touré expressed optimism: “In four years, he (Doumbouya) has connected Guinean youth to information and communication technologies,” Touré said wearing a T-shirt featuring Doumbouya’s image.
The World Food Program has reported that over half of Guinea’s 15 million people are experiencing record levels of poverty and food insecurity. For many, the vote is a beacon of hope: “This vote is the hope of young people, especially for us unemployed, “said Idrissa Camara, a young graduate from Conakry.
The election, seen as a crucial step in Guinea’s return to civilian rule, is expected to continue under heavy security with nearly 12,000 police officers mobilized.
The outcome of the vote, due within 48 hours, is awaited with considerable anticipation.
