Guinea’s government spokesperson, Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, expressed uncertainty on Thursday about the feasibility of holding a presidential election in 2025, despite earlier suggestions from the country’s leadership that elections could be held before the year’s end. After taking power in a 2021 coup, the military government had initially committed to organizing a constitutional referendum and transferring power to elected civilians by the end of 2024. However, these promises have yet to be fulfilled.
In a New Year’s address, General Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of the current government, referred to 2025 as a crucial year for Guinea’s political transition, aiming to restore constitutional order. Earlier in January, spokesperson Diallo had indicated that Guinea could potentially hold both presidential and legislative elections in 2025, following a referendum that was tentatively set for May. However, Diallo now believes it would be “impossible” to conduct all the necessary elections within the same year.
Diallo clarified that the electoral process would begin with a constitutional referendum, expected to take place before mid-year, and that elections would be held in stages. He stressed that organizing multiple elections within one year is a complex task, making it unrealistic to complete them all in 2025.
While Diallo remains a supporter of General Doumbouya, who has previously pledged not to run for re-election, there has been continued backing for his leadership from various officials. The delay in holding the referendum and elections has sparked frustration among Guinea’s opposition and civil society, who continue to demand a swift return to civilian rule and democratic governance.