Guinea’s Coup Leader Wins Election After Barring Leading Opponents

In Guinea, Col. Mamady Doumbouya, who led a coup over four years ago, won the presidential election with over 80% of the vote, according to a government-controlled agency. The election, held on Sunday, was intended to legitimize his rule. Doumbouya barred key opponents from participating, including Cellou Dalein Diallo, a main opposition figure. Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé, who came in second, is mobilizing a legal team to challenge the results, alleging fraud and voter intimidation. Despite some analysts noting Doumbouya's popularity, the election results raise questions about legitimacy, mirroring trends seen in other African elections this year.

Mamady Doumbouya, who led a military coup in Guinea in 2021, won the presidential election held on December 28, 2025, with 86.72% of the vote. This victory, announced on Tuesday, allows him to avoid a run-off and legitimizes his continued rule. The election was the first since Doumbouya ousted President Alpha Conde four years prior. Despite initially pledging not to run, a later referendum allowed military officers to participate and extended the presidential term. Yero Balde, a former education minister, came in second with 6.51% of the votes. The Supreme Court has eight days to validate the results.

Guinea held a presidential election on December 28, 2025, the first since the 2021 coup led by General Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya, the incumbent military leader, is widely expected to win despite accusations of restricted media and opposition activity. Approximately 6.7 million registered voters were eligible to participate. The election features eight other candidates, though prominent opposition figures remain in exile. The opposition has called for a boycott of the vote, citing concerns about the fairness of the process. Provisional results are expected within two days.