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Mamady Doumbouya Elected President of Guinea Amidst Concerns Over Democratic Process
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Initial results from Sunday’s election indicate that Gen.Mamady Doumbouya has secured the presidency of Guinea,a move aimed at legitimizing his military rule following the 2021 coup. Though, the election was marked by the exclusion of key opposition parties and criticisms of restricted freedoms.
Election Results and Context
according to initial polling results released by Guinea’s election commission on January 28, 2024, Gen. Mamady Doumbouya won the majority of the vote. Eight other candidates participated in the election,but the absence of major opposition parties – the RPG Arc-en-Ciel and the UFDG – raised concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the process. Thes parties were barred from participating, leaving a field of candidates with limited political standing. Reuters reported on the initial results and the context of the election.
Concerns Over Political Freedoms
Despite seeking to establish legitimacy through elections, Gen. Doumbouya’s government has faced criticism for restricting political activities in the lead-up to the vote.Reports indicate a suppression of opposition activities, a ban on protests, and limitations on press freedom. Human Rights Watch has documented concerns regarding human rights and political freedoms in Guinea under Doumbouya’s leadership.
This approach echoes the justifications Doumbouya used when he overthrew former President Alpha Condé in September 2021, citing rampant corruption, disregard for human rights, and economic mismanagement. Al Jazeera provided extensive coverage of the 2021 coup and the reasons cited by the military.
Guinea’s Economic Landscape
Guinea possesses significant natural resources, including the world’s largest reserves of bauxite and substantial iron ore deposits. The recent launch of the Simandou iron-ore mine in December 2023 was met with considerable anticipation, promising economic benefits. Mining.com reported on the commencement of production at the Simandou mine.
| Resource | Guinea’s reserves (Estimated) | Global Share (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Bauxite | 7.4 billion tonnes | ~29% |
| Iron Ore | 3.2 billion tonnes | ~7% |
