Guinea Votes: Doumbouya Poised to Cement Power After Coup

• Guinea holds presidential elections, expected to confirm Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in 2021, for a seven-year term.
• Doumbouya faces weak opposition, with former leaders Alpha Conde and Cellou Dalein Diallo in exile.
• His popularity stems from advancing the Simandou iron ore project and resource nationalism, appealing to youth.
• Concerns exist regarding Doumbouya entrenching military power and suppressing political dissent, as noted by UN rights chief Volker Turk.
• A new constitution, backed by Guineans, removed a clause barring junta members from elections and extended presidential terms.

Why It Matters: Guinea's election is set to formalize Mamady Doumbouya's rule, raising concerns about democratic freedoms.