Guineans voted on Sunday, December 28, in a presidential election seen as a critical milestone in the country’s return to constitutional rule, four years after the 2021 coup that brought Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya to power. Nine candidates are contesting the race, though Doumbouya, the incumbent transitional president, is widely expected to secure a seven-year term.
Several heavyweight opposition figures, including former President Alpha Conde and prominent opposition leaders Sidya Toure and Cellou Dalein Diallo, are absent due to age restrictions, exile or party suspensions, leaving Doumbouya to face largely low-profile challengers. About 6.7 million registered voters are casting ballots nationwide, with polls open from 7am to 6pm.
Voting has largely proceeded calmly, particularly in Conakry, amid a heavy security presence of more than 11,600 police officers deployed nationwide. Minor logistical challenges were reported early but were swiftly resolved. Authorities have pledged swift announcement of results, with provisional outcomes expected within 72 hours, underscoring efforts to project credibility, stability and institutional control during Guinea’s political transition.