CONAKRY (Realist English). Guinea’s Supreme Court has approved General Mamadi Doumbouya, the head of the ruling military junta, to run in the December 28 presidential election, formally opening the country’s transition toward civilian rule.
The ruling, announced Saturday by Chief Justice Yaya Boiro, validated the candidacy of Doumbouya and eight other contenders, stating that each met the legal and health requirements for the race. According to the court, 37 applicants were disqualified for incomplete submissions, while seven withdrew voluntarily. All disqualified candidates have 72 hours to appeal the decision.
The announcement coincides with preparations for the inauguration of the Simandou iron ore mine, the world’s largest untapped deposit of its kind. Developed by Rio Tinto, China’s Chinalco, and the Winning Consortium Simandou, the project could transform global iron ore markets and bring major economic gains to Guinea.
Doumbouya, 40, seized power in September 2021, ousting then-President Alpha Condé after he sought to extend his term limits. Under a new constitution adopted in September 2024, Guinea established a seven-year presidential term, renewable once, and set the age requirement for candidates between 40 and 80 years — criteria that now allow the junta leader to legally enter the race.
Among his challengers is Abdoulaye Yero Balde, a former deputy governor of the central bank. The vote will test whether Guinea, the world’s largest exporter of bauxite, can complete its transition from military rule without repeating the cycle of coups that has defined much of its post-independence history.