Guinea Holds Referendum on New Constitution Amid Opposition Boycott
A referendum is underway in Guinea to vote on a proposed new constitution that could extend presidential terms and allow military members to run for office. The vote has been boycotted by opposition parties, who are protesting a wider crackdown on dissent in the country. General Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in 2021, has vowed to return the country to civilian rule, but the draft constitution has sparked controversy.
The proposed constitution would extend presidential terms from five years to seven years and make it harder for political parties to run in elections. It would also allow members of the military to seek office, a move that has been criticized by opposition parties. Despite the boycott, the “yes” campaign has been active, holding rallies, Quran readings, and concerts, and plastering the capital city of Conakry with posters.
In contrast, the “no” campaign has been largely absent, with opposition leaders Cellou Dalein Diallo and deposed former President Alpha Conde calling for a boycott of the vote. Their parties are currently suspended, and opposition activists have been excluded from the campaign. Rafiou Sow, president of the suspended Renewal and Progress Party, noted that many Guineans are unable to read or write and therefore rely on information from the “yes” campaign.
The UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner has urged the military authorities to ensure a peaceful and transparent referendum, citing concerns about the inclusiveness and free participation of all citizens. The referendum is expected to pass, but the results will not be known until Tuesday evening at the earliest. Guinea is one of several West African countries where the military has taken power and delayed a return to civilian rule, with leaders seeking to cut ties with former colonizer France in favor of relations with Russia.
The outcome of the referendum will have significant implications for Guinea’s future, with potential consequences for the country’s political stability and relations with the international community. As the country awaits the results, concerns about the legitimacy and transparency of the process remain. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what impact it will have on the region.
