Guinea holds referendum on September 21

Guinea’s military leader has set September 21 as the date for a constitutional referendum in the West African nation.

The move is the junta’s first step towards returning the country to democratic rule.

The country’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, seized power in a coup in September 2021, and in 2022 proposed a two-year transition to elections but did not take steps to organise a vote.

Guinea, a bauxite and iron ore producer, is one of several West African countries where the military has taken power and stalled a return to civilian rule.

READ ALSO: Guinea Bissau’s Embalo to run for second term

Earlier, the military authorities had set December 31, 2024, as the deadline for returning to a civilian administration.

In July 2024, the junta presented a draft of a new constitution, which may allow Doumbouya to participate in the next presidential election.

Authorities said a referendum on the draft constitution would be a precursor to any election and a return to constitutional rule.

Guinea’s two former ruling parties are currently suspended.

The other major opposition party, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), has been placed under surveillance.

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