CONAKRY, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Guinea began voting in its presidential election on Sunday, with more than 6.8 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots at over 24,000 polling stations nationwide between 7:00 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) and 6:00 p.m. (1800 GMT).
This is the first presidential election held in the country since a military coup overthrew former President Alpha Conde in September 2021, marking an important step toward returning to constitutional order.
Transitional President and junta leader Mamady Doumbouya announced the organization of the presidential election following the adoption of a new Constitution through a referendum in September 2025. The new fundamental law lifted the ban on junta members running for office and extended the presidential term from five to seven years, paving the way for Doumbouya's candidacy.
Doumbouya is among the nine candidates in the race and is widely regarded as the frontrunner. Several major opposition figures, including Conde and former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, were not authorized to run or remain abroad for legal or political reasons.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the vote, authorities have strengthened security measures nationwide, including the temporary closure of borders and restrictions on vehicle movement. Election observers from the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, as well as other regional and international organizations, have been deployed to monitor the electoral process.
Opposition parties and civil society organizations have voiced concerns over the credibility of the election, citing the exclusion of certain political forces and restrictions on political activities during the campaign period. Nevertheless, many voters turned out to vote, expressing hope for a return to stability and economic development after several years of transition.
According to the General Directorate of Elections, provisional results are expected within 72 hours after the vote. If no candidate secures an absolute majority, a second round will be held in accordance with the electoral law. ■