Faith Nyasuguta
Guinea’s transitional government has unveiled a draft constitution that proposes limiting presidential terms and potentially permitting the current military leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya (pictured), to run in the next election. This draft marks a significant step towards returning the West African nation to constitutional governance.
The military junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup, initially suggested a two-year transition period leading to elections in 2022 after negotiations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, there has been little progress toward organizing a vote. The newly proposed constitution, to be decided upon in a future referendum, aims to stabilize Guinea, known for its rich bauxite and iron ore resources.
The draft constitution was presented to the National Transitional Council, which serves as the interim legislative body. Notably, the draft does not disqualify members of the ruling junta from participating in future elections, opening the door for Doumbouya to potentially run for office.
The former president, Alpha Conde, who was ousted nearly three years ago, would be barred from running due to an age limit provision in the draft. Conde, who came to power in 2010, had previously incited controversy and unrest by amending the constitution to secure a third term in 2020.
If adopted, the new constitution would shorten the presidential term to five years, with the possibility of one renewal, a reduction from the six-year terms stipulated in the 2020 constitution. However, the timeline for the next presidential election remains uncertain.
In October 2022, Guinea’s ruling junta agreed to the transition to civilian rule after facing sanctions from ECOWAS for an initial three-year transition plan. ECOWAS had suspended Guinea from the bloc and imposed sanctions on several individuals following the coup.
Following a technical mission to Guinea, ECOWAS and the Guinean junta developed a joint 24-month transition timeline, that began on January 1, 2023. Colonel Doumbouya confirmed this timetable in a state television address. The plan required approval from ECOWAS leaders.
Diplomatic communications between Guinea and ECOWAS persisted, with Guinean officials expressing their commitment to cooperating with the bloc. ECOWAS had previously issued an ultimatum demanding a “reasonable and acceptable” transition plan from the junta, a deadline that was approaching.
Guinea, a mineral-rich yet impoverished country, has been under military rule since the September 2021 coup that ended President Alpha Conde’s decade-long rule.
Colonel Doumbouya declared himself president and pledged to restore civilian rule within three years. A two-year transition period was deemed acceptable by several West African officials, mirroring a similar agreement with the junta in neighboring Mali after prolonged negotiations.
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