Guinea Returns to Civilian Rule as Coup Leader Mamady Doumbouya Elected President

Election Outcome and Provisional Results

Guinea’s long-awaited transition to civilian governance has been formalised with Mamady Doumbouya winning the presidential election, according to provisional results announced on December 31, 2025 . The head of the electoral authority said Doumbouya secured 86.72 per cent of the vote in the December 28 polls, avoiding a second round. Voter turnout was officially pegged at 80.95 per cent , though opposition groups questioned participation levels, particularly in the capital Conakry . Guinea’s Supreme Court has up to eight days to confirm the outcome if petitions are filed. The result grants Doumbouya a seven-year presidential term .

From Coup Leader to Elected President

Doumbouya, a former elite special forces officer, seized power in September 2021 after overthrowing President Alpha Condé . His takeover was part of a broader wave of military coups across West and Central Africa. While Guinea’s original post-coup charter barred junta members from running for office, a new constitution approved via referendum in September 2025 removed this restriction, legally enabling Doumbouya’s candidacy.

Resources, Economic Messaging and Popular Appeal

Guinea is globally significant for its vast bauxite reserves and the Simandou iron ore project , one of the world’s largest untapped deposits. Doumbouya has positioned himself as a champion of resource sovereignty, citing progress on Simandou and revoking foreign mining licences in favour of state control. His youth and nationalist rhetoric have resonated in a country where the median age is around 19 .

Democratic Concerns and International Scrutiny

Despite the electoral milestone, civil liberties remain under scrutiny. Rights groups allege restrictions on protests, media and opposition campaigning. UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the campaign environment as “severely restricted”, while opposition candidate Faya Lansana Millimono alleged electoral irregularities, claims yet to be formally addressed.

Important Facts for Exams

• Mamady Doumbouya seized power in Guinea in a 2021 coup

• He won the 2025 election with over 86% of the vote

• Guinea has the world’s largest bauxite reserves

• The Simandou project is a major global iron ore deposit

• Presidential term under the new constitution is seven years