logo

Guinea transitional authorities propose new Constitution with presidential term limits

It would also introduce an age limit, rendering former President Alpha Conde ineligible for office.

image
by BRIAN ORUTA

News01 August 2024 - 08:40

In Summary


  • • President Alpha Conde was removed from office in 2021 following public unrest.
  • • The military authorities, who assumed power following this change, initially pledged a two-year transition to elections, but the timeline for this process has not been yet clarified.
Col Mamady Doumbouya seized power in a military coup in September 2021

In September 2021, a military coup took place in Guinea against a backdrop of popular unrest over then-President Alpha Conde's intentions to run for a third presidential term after amending the country's constitution.

The military announced the introduction of an interim charter, and Mamady Doumbouya was sworn in as transitional president.

Guinea's transitional authorities have unveiled a draft constitution that proposes key changes to the country's presidential system, including a reduction in term limits.

The proposed changes could potentially allow for the participation of current military leader Mamady Doumbouya in future elections.

The draft, which is expected to be put to a referendum, outlines a five-year presidential term with a single renewal, a reduction from the six-year term established in the 2020 constitution.

The proposed constitution would also introduce an age limit, rendering former 86-year-old President Alpha Conde ineligible for office.

Conde was removed from office in 2021 following public unrest.

The military authorities, who assumed power following this change, initially pledged a two-year transition to elections, but the timeline for this process has not been yet clarified.

The draft constitution, presented on Monday to the National Transitional Council, does not explicitly bar members of the military from participating in elections, leaving open the possibility for current leader Doumbouya to run for president.


logo© The Star 2024. All rights reserved