Guinea’s ruling junta plans to conduct a constitutional referendum and elections in 2025 to restore civilian rule after four years of military governance. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah highlighted potential challenges in organizing these elections, such as finalizing the Constitution and electoral roll. Opposition groups remain cautious about the junta’s commitment to a genuine democratic transition amidst ongoing political repression.
Guinea’s ruling military junta, led by Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, is set to conduct a constitutional referendum along with presidential and legislative elections in 2025. This initiative aims to reinstate civilian governance after four years of military rule. Although no specific election date has been disclosed, Bah expressed confidence that the transition to constitutional order will be confirmed within the year.
During a press conference in Conakry, Prime Minister Bah acknowledged the challenges posed in organizing the elections, primarily concerning the finalization of the Constitution and electoral roll. These issues have the potential to disrupt the electoral process. Despite earlier commitments to a civilian transition, the junta, under General Mamady Doumbouya, had delayed this process on several occasions.
Doumbouya has maintained that he will not pursue the presidency; however, there are rumors that associates are urging him to consider entering the electoral race. The upcoming draft Constitution, subject to a referendum, may influence the eligibility of junta members to participate in the elections.
This announcement has been delivered amidst concerns regarding political repression within the nation. Numerous individuals, including opposition leaders Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah, have been unaccounted for since July, alongside journalist Habib Marouane Camara, who went missing in December. Bah reaffirmed that investigations into these cases are active and cautioned against swift assumptions.
Proposed amendments to the Constitution include establishing presidential term limits of two five-year terms. Nevertheless, tensions persist among opposition groups, who remain skeptical about the junta’s dedication to a democratic transition, fearing alterations that could prolong military governance.
In conclusion, the Guinean junta’s plans for a constitutional referendum and elections in 2025 mark an effort to restore civilian rule following a prolonged military governance period. While this move is welcomed by many, concerns over political repression and the junta’s commitment to genuine democratic processes continue to loom. The outcome of the proposed constitutional changes and the overall electoral credibility will be critical in determining Guinea’s political future.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
