Guinea to Conduct Constitutional Referendum and Elections by 2025

Guinea’s junta will conduct a constitutional referendum and elections in 2025 to restore civilian rule after four years of military governance. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah noted challenges like finalizing the Constitution and electoral roll, which could lead to instability. Concerns about political repression persist, especially with missing opposition figures. Proposed changes include term limits for the presidency.

In Guinea, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah announced that the ruling junta will conduct a constitutional referendum alongside presidential and legislative elections by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to re-establish civilian governance after four years under military control. Bah confirmed that a return to constitutional order is imminent, although he did not provide specific dates for the elections.

Despite the announcement, Bah acknowledged possible obstacles in organizing the elections, particularly related to finalizing the Constitution and the electoral roll, which he cautioned could lead to instability. General Mamady Doumbouya’s junta had deferred transitioning to civilian rule despite previous assurances.

While Doumbouya has claimed he will not contest the presidency, insiders suggest he may be encouraged to enter the race. A draft Constitution, which is set for a referendum, could decide the eligibility of junta members for running in the elections. There have been ongoing concerns about political repression, as several opposition figures, including Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah, have been missing since July, along with journalist Habib Marouane Camara, who vanished in December.

Bah emphasized that investigations into these disappearances are underway, urging caution against premature conclusions. Proposed constitutional modifications suggest limiting presidential terms to two five-year periods. Nevertheless, opposition factions are skeptical about the junta’s sincerity in pursuing a democratic transition, apprehensive of potential changes that may prolong military governance.

In summary, Guinea’s ruling junta has announced plans for a constitutional referendum and elections in 2025 to restore civilian rule. However, challenges remain in organizing these electoral processes, and there are growing concerns about political repression. The proposed constitutional reforms, which include presidential term limits, have raised skepticism among opposition groups regarding the junta’s commitment to a genuine democratic transition.

Original Source: newscentral.africa