Guinea’s military junta has created a new electoral body, the Directorate General of Elections, to manage the upcoming constitutional referendum and general elections scheduled for December. This move follows escalating protests and concerns about the junta’s credibility amid political repression, including the dissolution of political parties and restrictions on media.
In a significant development, Guinea’s military junta has established a new election body aimed at overseeing management of elections, including a constitutional referendum set for September and upcoming general and presidential elections scheduled for December. The announcement was made by junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya, who has been governing since 2021 and had committed to a transition towards democracy after a deadline of December 31, 2024.
This newly-formed Directorate General of Elections (DGE) will hold several responsibilities. These include organizing elections, administrating the electoral register, and ensuring fairness throughout the electoral processes. Doumbouya revealed the decree on state television late Saturday, emphasizing that the heads of the DGE will be appointed directly by presidential decree. Furthermore, the DGE will represent Guinea in both regional and international electoral organizations.
However, there appears to be skepticism over the credibility of these elections. The junta has previously taken controversial actions, including the dissolution of over 50 political parties last year, which it justified as necessary to clean the political landscape. Rights organizations have raised alarms about heightened restrictions on independent media, with several private radio stations and social networks frequently disrupted or shut down. Journalists operating in the country have reportedly faced harassment, attacks, and arrests.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah had indicated previously that the general and presidential elections would be held in December 2025, reinforcing the timeline amid rising tensions. He also reiterated the junta’s plan for a constitutional referendum on September 21, a step that was initially announced back in April. Protests erupted in the capital, Conakry, earlier this January when the ruling junta mishandled the timelines for returning to civilian governance, demonstrating the continuing unrest within the region.
Guinea’s military junta is undertaking a key move by establishing the Directorate General of Elections, tasked with overseeing vital electoral processes, including a constitutional referendum and general elections. However, growing concerns regarding the junta’s methods and credibility continue to cast a shadow over Guinea’s transition to democracy. With the backdrop of increased political repression and public protests, the situation remains precarious as the nation prepares for significant upcoming votes.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
