Guinea’s Supreme Court has unveiled a provisional list of candidates for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for next month. The list includes nine contenders, among them the current junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya. He took power in 2021 after overthrowing former president Alpha Condé, who had secured a disputed third term.
However, notable political figures such as former prime minister Lansana Kouyaté and ex-government minister Ousmane Kaba were rejected on what officials called technical grounds. Kouyaté has already stated that he plans to challenge the ruling. Meanwhile, opposition politician Faya Millimono and former minister Aboulaye Yero Balde are among those approved to participate.
Last month, voters granted Doumbouya permission to run in December’s election, opening the door for the military ruler to formalize his leadership through the ballot box. This marks a shift from his earlier promise to hand over power after ousting Condé.
Concerns about credibility are growing, as some opposition voices have been sidelined. The military government dissolved several political parties last year and suspended the three largest opposition groups before the recent referendum.
This election is taking place one year later than the date agreed upon with the regional bloc ECOWAS, a delay that led opposition groups to boycott the national assembly.
Guinea joins a widening list of West African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where the military has taken charge, raising fears of shrinking democratic space in the region.
