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Guinean voters appear to have overwhelmingly approved a constitutional referendum that could allow military leader Mamady Doumbouya to run for president. Provisional results indicate more than 90% of voters supported the new constitution, which also extends presidential terms from five to seven years and imposes tougher restrictions on political parties. Guinean opposition parties, which boycotted the vote, contend the process was neither inclusive nor fair, citing a crackdown on dissent and limited public understanding of the complex document. This development places Guinea firmly among a growing list of West African nations where military rulers are reshaping governance, signaling a potential prolonged transition rather than a swift return to civilian rule. The outcome sets the stage for pivotal elections under these new, controversial rules.
DW