Junta-ruled Guinea sets referendum for September in potential step to democracy

Guinea's military leader has set September 21, 2025, as the date for a constitutional referendum, according to a decree read out on state television on Tuesday evening, in a potential first step towards returning to constitutional democracy.

Mamady Doumbouya seized power in a coup in September 2021, and in 2022 proposed a two-year transition to elections but then did not take steps to organise a vote.

Guinea, a bauxite and iron ore-producer, is one of several West African countries where the military has taken power and stalled a return to civilian rule.

It missed a December 31, 2024 deadline that military authorities had set for a return to a civilian administration.

In July 2024 the junta presented a draft of a new constitution which may allow Doumbouya to participate in the next presidential election.

Authorities have said a referendum on the draft constitution would be a precursor to any election and a return to constitutional rule.

Guinea's two former ruling parties are currently suspended.

The other major opposition party, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), has been placed under surveillance.