Guinea Junta Leader Doumbouya Wins Presidential Election With 86.7% Landslide 

Friday January 2, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

Guinea’s junta leader, General Mamady Doumbouya, has secured a sweeping victory in the country’s presidential election, winning 86.7 per cent of the vote, according to provisional results released by the election commission.

The win hands Doumbouya a seven-year mandate and is widely seen as an attempt to legitimise his rule after he seized power in a military coup in 2021. His closest challenger, Abdoulaye Yero Baldé of the Democratic Front of Guinea, finished a distant second with 6.6 per cent, while Faya Lansana Millimono of the Liberal Bloc garnered just 2 per cent.

The election has, however, drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who described the process as a “charade” after major opposition parties were barred from participating. Several candidates also alleged widespread irregularities, including voter intimidation, ballot stuffing and the expulsion of election observers.

Millimono accused authorities of orchestrating “systematic fraudulent practices,” claims the government and ruling party have yet to address. The Supreme Court is expected to validate the results within eight days if they are challenged.

Concerns were further heightened after internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported restrictions on access to social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube and TikTok as Guineans awaited full results. Critics say the move was aimed at suppressing dissent, though authorities have not commented.

While election officials put voter turnout at over 80 per cent, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution disputed the figure, insisting that most Guineans boycotted what it called an illegitimate vote.

Doumbouya had previously vowed not to contest any election and to return Guinea to civilian rule following the coup that ousted former President Alpha Condé. However, a new constitution adopted in September cleared the way for his candidacy.

Despite enjoying support among some young Guineans, the junta leader has faced growing criticism over restrictions on opposition activities, protest bans and curbs on press freedom ahead of the polls.

Guinea, home to the world’s largest bauxite reserves and vast iron-ore deposits, recently launched the massive Simandou mining project. Yet more than half of its population continues to live in poverty, according to the World Bank.