Published on 31/07/2024
Guinea’s transitional authorities unveiled a new constitution draft on Monday aiming to set presidential term limits. This move could enable the current military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, to run in the next election.
The junta which seized power in 2021, had initially promised elections by 2022. However, despite negotiations with the Economic Community of West African States there has been little progress towards organizing a vote.
The new constitution’s introduction may signal a shift in the political landscape, but the timeline for elections remains uncertain. The nation watches closely, anticipating what comes next.
The new draft constitution, expected to be voted on in a yet-to-be decided referendum, could pave the way for the bauxite and iron ore-producing West African nation to return to constitutional rule.
The new text, presented at the National Transitional Council, which acts as parliament under the interim regime, did not forbid members of the ruling junta from participating in the electoral process.
Former President Alpha Conde, 86, who was overthrown by soldiers almost three years ago, would be excluded from the race due to the age limit.
While in office, Conde sparked widespread anger and instability when he changed the constitution to allow himself to stand for a third term in office in 2020, after coming to power in 2010.
If the draft of the new constitution gets approval, the president will be elected for a five-year term that is renewable once, reducing the presidential term from six years in the constitution that was approved in 2020.
It remains unclear for now when presidential elections will be held.
