The head of Guinea’s ruling junta, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has revealed plans for a constitutional referendum to be conducted in 2024.
This according to him will mark a pivotal move towards reinstating civilian governance following the coup that saw him seize power.
Since overthrowing the country’s inaugural democratically elected president in 2021, Colonel Doumbouya has been in charge and made the announcement regarding the vote in an end-of-year address late Sunday.
However, no specific date for the referendum was provided during his speech.
“In the new year, a new constitution which resembles us and brings us together will be submitted to a referendum,” Doumbouya said.
He promised a constitution “approved by the people and which is not a copy and paste but a constitution, which draws inspiration from the past to together build our future”.
Additionally, Doumbouya indicated that individuals designated by the state will soon assume leadership roles in municipal councils.
These councils, elected in 2018 and nearing the conclusion of their mandates in the upcoming months, are predominantly helmed by officials associated with the parties of the deposed civilian ex-president Alpha Conde or former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo.
Notably, these parties have been vocal in their criticism of the current military administration.
Doumbouya cited his intentions to “further the substantial endeavors towards reinstating constitutional order by organizing free, democratic, and transparent elections.” This commitment aims to adhere to the outlined timetable facilitating the transition back to civilian governance.
