DAKAR, June 16 (AGCNewsNet) – Guinea’s ruling military junta has established a new electoral authority to oversee a series of upcoming national votes, including a constitutional referendum in September and general elections in December, state television announced late Saturday.

The newly formed Directorate General of Elections (DGE) will manage the country’s electoral register, organize elections, and ensure fairness throughout the process. The leadership of the DGE will be appointed by presidential decree, and the body will also represent Guinea in regional and international electoral affairs.

This move comes after mounting pressure on junta leader Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in 2021 and pledged a democratic transition by December 31, 2024. The deadline passed without elections, sparking opposition protests that brought parts of the capital, Conakry, to a standstill in January.

In May, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah reaffirmed that a constitutional referendum would be held on September 21, followed by general and presidential elections in December 2025. However, political observers and civil society groups have raised concerns about the credibility of the upcoming process.

Last year, the junta dissolved over 50 political parties, claiming the action was necessary to “clean up the political chessboard.” Human rights organizations have also accused the regime of suppressing dissent by restricting independent media, suspending digital platforms, and detaining journalists.

Despite these concerns, the junta maintains that the establishment of the DGE marks a significant step toward restoring civilian rule and rebuilding democratic institutions in the West African nation.

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Source: Washington Times