Guinea’s Military Junta Sets Up Election Body for December Vote

Guinea’s military junta has announced the creation of the Directorate General of Elections to oversee upcoming elections, including a constitutional referendum in September. General Mamadi Doumbouya’s leadership has faced opposition protests due to delays in promised democratic transitions. Concerns persist regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process and restrictions on media and political opposition in Guinea.

In a significant move, Guinea’s military junta has established a new electoral authority responsible for overseeing elections, including a much-anticipated constitutional referendum due in September and subsequent general and presidential elections set for December. The decision reflects the junta’s commitment to a democratic transition, albeit one that is fraught with challenges. General Mamadi Doumbouya, who has led the military since 2021, previously agreed to initiate this transition, but the junta’s failure to meet the commitments has drawn criticism and sparked protests within the nation.

The newly formed Directorate General of Elections (DGE) will have substantial responsibilities. According to a decree announced by General Doumbouya on state television, the DGE will manage voter registration, organize election logistics, and promote electoral integrity. Key leadership positions within the DGE will be filled by presidential decree, emphasizing the junta’s control over the electoral process. Moreover, this body will also represent Guinea in both regional and international electoral organizations, signaling a potential attempt to re-engage with the international community.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah recently confirmed that the general and presidential elections are slated for December 2025. He reiterated a commitment to hold the constitutional referendum on September 21, a plan first introduced by the regime in April. However, the political landscape remains precarious amidst ongoing concerns regarding the legitimacy of the elections. Critics point to the dissolution of over 50 political parties by the junta last year, which they argue was a move to consolidate power and eliminate dissent.

Additionally, reports indicate that the government has increasingly restricted independent media, leading to the closure of social networks and private radio stations. Many information sources have faced interruptions or suspensions, raising significant concerns over freedom of expression in the nation. Journalists are reportedly facing harassment, including arrests, as the military regime tightens its grip on the flow of information.

As Guinea gears up for these critical political milestones, the global community watches closely, questioning whether this new electoral body can foster a fair and transparent process. The promise of a return to civilian rule hangs in the balance, with many citizens expressing skepticism about the junta’s sincerity in restoring democracy at this moment.

In summary, Guinea’s military junta has established a new electoral body meant to oversee critical elections and a referendum. While there are promises of democratic progress, concerns abound over the junta’s prior actions, including the dissolution of political parties and suppression of media, raising doubts about the elections’ credibility and fairness. The international community is closely monitoring this situation as Guinea approaches a pivotal moment in its political landscape.

Original Source: www.newsday.com