Guinea’s ruling junta will oversee a constitutional referendum along with presidential and legislative elections before the end of the year, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah announced on Wednesday.
The move aims to restore civilian rule after four years of military governance.
Speaking at a press conference in Conakry, Bah assured that “in 2025, the return to constitutional order will be effective,” but did not specify an exact date for the polls.
He acknowledged challenges in organising the elections, particularly finalising the Constitution and electoral roll, which he warned could be a source of destabilisation.
The junta, led by General Mamady Doumbouya, had previously postponed the transition to civilian rule despite earlier commitments.
While Doumbouya has repeatedly stated he will not run for president, sources close to him are reportedly encouraging him to enter the race.
A new draft Constitution, set for a referendum, could determine whether junta members are eligible to contest the elections.
The announcement comes over ongoing concerns about political repression.
Opposition figures Oumar Sylla, known as Fonike Mengue, and Mamadou Billo Bah have been missing since July, while journalist Habib Marouane Camara disappeared in December.
Bah insisted that investigations into their cases were ongoing and urged caution against hasty judgments.
The proposed constitutional changes include setting presidential term limits to two five-year terms.
However, opposition groups remain wary of the junta’s commitment to democratic transition, fearing potential amendments that could extend military rule.
