Guinea’s interim military ruler, General Mamady Doumbouya, has officially filed his candidacy for the country’s highly anticipated presidential election, scheduled for December 28, 2025. The vote is intended to restore democratic order following the 2021 coup he led, marking a significant turning point in the West African nation’s political landscape.

Doumbouya Submits Candidacy Amid Heavy Security

On Monday, the 40-year-old military leader arrived at the Supreme Court in the capital, Conakry, in an armoured vehicle and surrounded by elite special forces—highlighting the tense political climate in the country. He submitted his candidacy papers without speaking to the press.

Outside the courthouse, thousands of enthusiastic supporters chanted, “Mamady champion!”, “Mamady president!”, and “Mamady already elected!”—demonstrating the strong base of popular support Doumbouya has cultivated since taking power.

New Constitution Clears Path for Doumbouya’s Run

Doumbouya initially pledged not to seek office after leading the coup that ousted President Alpha Conde in September 2021. However, a new constitution, approved in a nationwide referendum in September 2025, changed the rules.

The new charter—drafted under the supervision of the military government—allows members of the transitional government, including Doumbouya, to run for president. It also requires candidates to be aged 40 to 80 and to reside in Guinea.

These eligibility requirements effectively block several former leaders, including 87-year-old Alpha Conde, who lives abroad, and ex-Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, 73, currently in exile and facing corruption allegations he denies.

Opposition Groups Condemn Doumbouya’s Candidacy

The opposition alliance, Living Forces of Guinea (FVG), released a strongly worded statement condemning what they described as a “disastrous turning point”. The group accused Doumbouya of reneging on his promise not to seek the presidency and violating the spirit of Guinea’s democratic aspirations.

Political Repression and Human Rights Concerns Under Military Rule

Since seizing power, Doumbouya’s junta has faced widespread criticism for restricting democratic freedoms. The military government has banned public demonstrations, censored the media, and arrested dozens of opposition figures. Reports of forced disappearances and the shutdown of critical media outlets have raised serious human rights concerns.

Guinea’s Troubled Political Past and Resource Wealth

Guinea, once a French colony, became the second African nation to declare independence in 1958. With a population of 14.5 million, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world, despite vast natural resources, including the planet’s largest bauxite reserves and the untapped Simandou iron ore deposits—considered among the richest globally.

Who Else Is Running?

Former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate and ex-Foreign Minister Hadja Makale Camara are among the confirmed candidates for the December vote. With Doumbouya’s entry, the election is poised to be the most contentious since Guinea began its democratic transition in 2010 under Alpha Conde.