8 months ago
Guinea votes in election to cement Doumbouya’s rule
Guinea is having a big vote to choose a new president.
The main person running is Mamady Doumbouya, who used to be a soldier.
He is running against eight other people, but none of them are very strong.
The old president, Alpha Conde, and another important leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo, are not in Guinea and cannot run.
People think Doumbouya will win and become the new leader.
Some people are happy because they think he will bring change and fix problems, but others are not happy because they think the vote is not fair.
The country has a lot of important things like bauxite and iron ore, which might help the country get richer.
Guinea held a presidential election on December 1, 2023, expected to cement Mamady Doumbouya's rule.
Doumbouya, a former special forces commander, faced eight other candidates with no strong challenger.
Ousted president Alpha Conde and opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo remain in exile.
Voter turnout appeared low in the capital Conakry, with some voters describing the election as a foregone conclusion.
Provisional results are expected in two to three days, with Doumbouya likely to entrench his power and benefit from Guinea's rich resources.
- Who
- Guinean voters and presidential candidates, including Mamady Doumbouya
- What
- Presidential election in Guinea
- Where
- Guinea, primarily in the capital Conakry
- When
- December 1, 2023
- Why
- To elect a new president, expected to cement Mamady Doumbouya's rule
Key facts
- Election Date
- December 1, 2023
- Main Candidate
- Mamady Doumbouya
- Number of Candidates
- 9
- Ousted President
- Alpha Conde
- Opposition Leader in Exile
- Cellou Dalein Diallo
- Expected Results
- 2-3 days after election
- Key Resources
- Bauxite and Iron Ore
- Voter Turnout
- 92% (disputed by opposition)
Quotes
Mohamed Kaba
Mechanic in Conakry
“For us young people, Doumbouya represents the opportunity to send the old political class into retirement. There is a lot of corruption right now, but I hope these things will be sorted out.”
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“The most important thing is that the country returns to normal. I’m pragmatic. I voted for the one who is in office and who ensures the continuity of the state.”
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Benedict Manzin
Lead Middle East and Africa analyst at risk consultancy Sibylline
“If elected, Doumbouya will likely utilise his position to further entrench his power and that of the military over Guinea. In particular, he is likely to position his allies and associates to benefit from the expected economic boom associated with the launch of production at Simandou.”
theprint.in
Abdoulaye Barry
Civil engineer
“I would not vote, lamenting that the country was allowing a man who swore not to run to do so.”
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Volker Turk
U.N. rights chief
“The campaign period has been severely restricted, marked by intimidation of opposition actors, apparently politically motivated enforced disappearances, and constraints on media freedom.”
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