Guinea’s Opposition Calls for Civilian Rule to Be Restored Before End of Year

Guinea’s main opposition parties and civil society groups are insisting that the country’s military leaders stick to the plan of bringing back civilian rule by the end of this year, December 31st.

A regional organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), had pushed the military, who took control in a coup in 2021, to arrange for elections before the end of 2024. However, Guinea’s prime minister suggested in mid-March that the return to civilian rule might be delayed until at least 2025.

The Forces Vives de Guinee strongly criticized the junta’s decision not to hold presidential elections as agreed with ECOWAS in October 2022. They pointed out that despite more than two years of transition, Guinea still lacks a proposed constitution, an electoral code, an election management body, and a voter registry.

The group also accused the junta of limiting public freedoms and harassing political leaders. They are demanding the restoration of public freedoms and a return to constitutional order by December 31st. Additionally, they stated that they will no longer recognize the military in power after this deadline.

The statement emphasized the importance of consulting with all socio-political stakeholders before extending the transition period. They called for the establishment of an independent and agreed-upon electoral management body, a review of the 2010 constitution followed by a referendum, and a revision of the electoral code.

This move by the opposition and civil society groups highlights their firm stance on the need for a timely return to civilian rule and the importance of inclusive and transparent processes in Guinea’s political future.