Guinea's military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, is running for president in December’s election, defying his prior promise, amid concerns over fairness and suppressed opposition.

Guinea's military leader Mamady Doumbouya has announced his candidacy for the December 28 presidential election, reversing his earlier pledge not to run. His entry is enabled by a new constitution approved in a September referendum that lifted bans on military leaders running for office. The election, the first since the 2021 coup, faces criticism over fairness, as key opposition figures like former President Alpha Conde and ex-Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo are barred from running, and a high candidacy deposit of $100,000 has deterred many. The junta has suppressed dissent, restricted media, and banned protests since the coup. International observers remain cautious about the process, as Doumbouya seeks to extend his rule under a new seven-year presidential term.