Guinea’s military junta has formed a new election management body, the Directorate General of Elections, to oversee upcoming elections and a constitutional referendum. This move follows rising criticism over the junta’s handling of political transitions and has raised questions about the credibility of the electoral process as previous political parties were dissolved and media repression increased.
Guinea’s military junta has taken a substantial step toward organizing elections, establishing a new body dedicated to managing the electoral process. This new Directorate General of Elections (DGE) will oversee the upcoming constitutional referendum scheduled for September as well as the planned general and presidential elections set for December. This move comes as the military government, which has been in power since 2021, faced pressures to adhere to its timeline for returning to civilian governance.
General Mamadi Doumbouya, who leads the junta, had previously committed in late 2022 to initiate a democratic transition with a target deadline of December 31, 2024. Yet, the unfulfilled promises have led to mounting opposition protests earlier this year, notably disrupting the capital, Conakry, in January.
In a televised decree over the weekend, Doumbouya disclosed that the DGE would be in charge of not just elections but also managing the electoral register and ensuring integrity within the voting process. Importantly, he pointed out that the DGE’s heads will be appointed via presidential decree. This body will also represent Guinea in various electoral forums regionally and internationally.
The junta’s Prime Minister, Amadou Oury Bah, reaffirmed last month that the general and presidential elections will indeed occur in December 2025, while the constitutional referendum is set for September 21, aligning with earlier announcements from the junta in April.
However, the road to credibility in these elections is riddled with skepticism. Just last year, the military regime dissolved over 50 political parties, citing an effort to “clean up the political chessboard,” which has raised alarms among observers. Additionally, rights groups have reported an intensified crackdown on independent media. Social media, private radio sectors, and information sites have faced numerous blockages and suspensions without clear explanations, while journalists in Guinea encounter threats and legal challenges.
In summary, Guinea’s military junta has established a new election management body, the Directorate General of Elections, amid rising tension and public scrutiny. Set against a backdrop of opposition protests and concerns over media freedom, the upcoming elections and constitutional referendum are pivotal for the country’s future. As the junta wrestles with its promises for political transition, the credibility of the electoral process remains a significant concern for many citizens and observers.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
