Nine presidential candidates participated in the election, although the major opposition challengers who stood a real chance were barred on technicalities.
Guinea has restricted access to popular social media platforms TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook as the country awaits final results from Sunday’s presidential election. Internet watchdog NetBlocks reported disruptions via major providers Orange and MTN.
Preliminary results indicate that Mamady Doumbouya, the 41-year-old junta leader who seized power in a coup four years ago, is leading by a wide margin.
However, the main opposition leaders were barred from contesting the poll, sparking concerns of irregularities and calls for a return to civilian rule.
Authorities have not commented on the shutdown, but critics argue it’s aimed at suppressing criticism.
This move is not unprecedented in Guinea, where internet restrictions have become a common practice during elections.
Nine presidential candidates participated in the election, although the major opposition challengers who stood a real chance were barred on technicalities. None of the eight opposition candidates had a solid political footing.
With a population of 15 million, Guinea holds one of the world’s largest deposits of iron ore and is the leading exporter of bauxite – a key component of aluminium.
Prominent Ugandan Activist Dr. Sarah Bireete Arrested, Circumstances Unclear
Doumbouya’s government is banking on its vast mines, especially the mega Simandou mine – one of the largest iron ore projects in the world, to create more jobs and revenue in the coming years. Diamond, gold and uranium deposits are also abundant in the country.
Doumbouya has gained some support due to new policies that have boosted mining exports. However, the general’s detractors question his legitimacy, citing his previous pledge not to run in elections, as well as his various bans on protests and media.
The 2021 coup destabilised Guinea’s democratic trajectory. After decades of coups and dictatorships, it was only in 2010 that Guineans voted in the first, truly free and fair elections since independence from France in 1958. The coup also caused suspensions from the African Union and sanctions from the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc.
