Guinea's Coup Leader Poised to Win Presidential Vote

Colonel Mamady Doumbouya is widely expected to win Guinea's presidential election. He first took power by force in a 2021 military coup. The vote occurs under a climate of fear. The United Nations has warned of voter intimidation and restricted freedoms ahead of the poll. Doumbouya's main opponents are weak and fragmented, offering little challenge. After the coup, Doumbouya promised a transition back to civilian rule. This election is meant to fulfill that pledge. Critics, however, call the process undemocratic. They accuse the junta of silencing dissent and controlling the electoral system.