Voters in Guinea went to the polls on Sunday for a referendum on a new constitution that could set the stage for a return to civilian rule in the West African nation, which has been under military leadership since a coup four years ago.
The draft charter proposes limiting presidents to two seven-year terms, though it does not prevent junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya — who seized power in September 2021 — from contesting the next election.
If approved, the constitution would also introduce a Senate to complement the National Assembly, marking the first such bicameral legislature since Guinea gained independence from France in 1958.
The referendum comes at a critical moment for the resource-rich nation, which holds more than half of the world’s bauxite reserves and supplies 90% of its output to China. Guinea is also home to Simandou, one of the largest untapped iron ore deposits globally, being developed by Rio Tinto Group and Aluminum Corp. of China, among others.
Opposition leaders, including ousted former president Alpha Condé and longtime political rival Cellou Dalein Diallo, have urged their supporters to boycott the vote, casting doubt on turnout levels. Polling stations are scheduled to close at 6 p.m. local time.
The referendum is seen as a key test of General Doumbouya’s commitment to restoring democratic governance, though critics argue the proposed constitution leaves the door open for him to extend his hold on power.
