Guinea's Junta Leader Mamady Doumbouya Enters Presidential Race Amid Controversy

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Guinea's Junta Leader Mamady Doumbouya Enters Presidential Race Amid Controversy

1 month ago

News sources:

BBC

ALJAZEERA

AFRICANEWS

Guinea's Junta Leader Mamady Doumbouya Enters Presidential Race Amid Controversy

Credited from: ALJAZEERA

Mamady Doumbouya has officially entered the presidential race in Guinea.
His candidacy breaks a previous promise to restore civilian governance.
Significant opposition parties have been barred from participating.
The military government is criticized for restricting freedoms and media.
The election aims to restore constitutional order following a 2021 coup.

Mamady Doumbouya, the military leader who has ruled Guinea since a 2021 coup, has formally entered the presidential race for elections scheduled on December 28. This decision comes despite a previous commitment not to run for office, which he made upon taking power. Doumbouya submitted his candidacy at the Supreme Court, surrounded by special forces and supporters chanting his name, reflecting significant backing among some segments of the population, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

The new constitution, approved in a September referendum, has created conditions that allow Doumbouya to run, despite earlier arrangements that barred military members from contesting elections. This charter stipulates that presidential candidates must live in Guinea and be between 40 and 80 years old, which inadvertently excludes two significant opposition figures: former President Alpha Conde and former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, both of whom live abroad, according to Africa News and Al Jazeera.

Africa News and BBC.

Africa News, BBC, and Al Jazeera.