Guinea - September 2025
Guinea approves new constitution in referendum ahead of elections
On 26 September, Guinea’s Supreme Court confirmed the results of a constitutional referendum held on 21 September, in which voters approved a new constitution, with authorities reporting 89.4 per cent support and 86.4 per cent turnout. The new constitution replaces the transitional charter adopted after the 2021 coup and removes a prior ban on junta members contesting elections, allowing transitional President Mamady Doumbouya to contest the 28 December presidential election. It also extends the presidential term from five to seven years, renewable twice, and creates a Senate, with one-third of its members appointed by the president. The opposition, including several suspended or exiled parties, boycotted the vote, citing political restrictions and an uneven playing field. Authorities deployed 45,000 security forces nationwide for the vote. Ahead of the December presidential election, UN rights chief Volker Türk urged authorities to lift bans on political parties and media outlets and ensure inclusive elections.
Sources: International Crisis Group, Radio France Internationale, Jurist News, Africa News, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Jeune Afrique, International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2), International IDEA (3)
