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Gen Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president of Guinea after securing the majority of the vote, according to initial polling results published by the country’s election commission. <\/p>\n
The junta leader is hoping to legitimise his rule after seizing power in a coup four years ago.<\/p>\n
A civil society group campaigning for the return of civilian rule condemned the election as a “charade” after his main challengers were barred from contesting, while opposition candidates said the poll was marred by irregularities.<\/p>\n
On Monday, internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks reported that access to social media platforms TikTok, YouTube and Facebook had been restricted as Guineans waited for the full results.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
There has been no official comment on the restrictions, but opponents see it as an attempt by the junta to stifle criticism of the results.<\/p>\n
The provisional results announced on Tuesday showed Gen Doumbouya winning 86.72% of the December 28 vote, an absolute majority well over the threshold that would trigger a runoff vote. The victory gives the junta leader a seven-year mandate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
After overthrowing then-83-year-old President Alpha Cond\u00e9 in 2021, Gen Doumbouya <\/b>promised not to seek election and to hand power to a civilian.<\/p>\n
“Neither I nor any member of this transition will be a candidate for anything… As soldiers, we value our word very much,” he said at the time.<\/p>\n
The junta leader broke his promise by putting his name on the ballot after a new constitution, implemented in September, permitted him to run for office. <\/p>\n
Eight other candidates took part in Sunday’s election, but with the exclusion of main opposition parties RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG, none of the participants have a solid political footing. <\/p>\n
Although he is popular with many of Guinea’s youth, Gen Doumbouya has been criticised for restricting opposition activities, banning protests and stifling press freedom in the run-up to the elections.<\/p>\n
The general justified deposing Cond\u00e9 on similar charges – including rampant corruption, disregard for human rights and economic mismanagement.<\/p>\n
Guinea has the world’s largest bauxite reserves and some of its richest iron ore. Last month, authorities launched the gigantic Simandou iron-ore mine to widespread anticipation.<\/p>\n
However, over half of the population lives in poverty, according to World Bank figures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n