The spokesman for Guinea’s military-led government has expressed doubt over the likelihood of a presidential election taking place this year, despite previous suggestions by the junta that polls could be held before the end of 2025.
The Junta who seized power in a coup in 2021 in constitutional referendum while under pressure from international powers initially vowed to transfer power to elected civilians by the close of 2024, however the commitment has not been fulfilled.
In his New Year’s address, junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya described 2025 as a “crucial electoral year” intended to restore constitutional order.
At the start of January, government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo indicated that Guinea could organise either a presidential or legislative election this year, following a referendum expected to take place “probably in May.”
Yet, speaking on Thursday, Diallo revised this outlook, stating it would be “impossible to hold all the elections in 2025.” He clarified that the process would commence with a constitutional referendum, which he maintained would take place “before the end of the first half of the year.”
“If elections are to be conducted in phases, it means we cannot hold all of them in 2025,” Diallo told journalists at a press briefing, noting that “several” votes would still need to occur.
Diallo, like other supporters of Doumbouya, has previously endorsed the junta leader’s potential candidacy in any future presidential election.
Despite having been sworn in as president, Doumbouya has repeatedly affirmed that he will not stand for election.
Meanwhile, Guinea’s opposition and civil society groups have condemned the junta’s increasingly authoritarian rule and continue to demand a swift transition to civilian governance.
