On September 21, 2025, Guinea is holding a constitutional referendum that could mark a turning point in its governance. The draft constitution is intended both as a formal step toward civilian rule and as a legal mechanism that might allow the current junta leader, Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, to run for president — despite his earlier pledge at the time of the 2021 coup that he would not.
One of the flagship reforms proposed is extending the presidential term. Under the existing constitution, terms are five years; the new draft would stretch them to seven years, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term. Another major institutional change is the creation of a Senate, part of a broader restructuring of the legislative branch. In that Senate, one-third of the senators would be directly appointed by the president, while the remainder are selected by regional and municipal councils.
The referendum follows missed deadlines and growing domestic pressure. The junta had initially promised a return to civilian rule by December 31, 2024, but that deadline passed without elections. In April 2025, the government officially set September 21, 2025 as the date for this referendum. Also in May 2025, it was announced that both legislative and presidential elections would be held in December 2025, if the referendum proceeds—and presumably after a new constitutional framework is in place.
The referendum is controversial. Critics, including opposition leaders like Cellou Dalein Diallo, and former President Alpha Condé, have condemned it as a power grab. Opposition parties have been suspended, and some groups call for a boycott. Human Rights Watch and other rights-organisations have raised alarm over suppression of dissent, restrictions on media, arbitrary arrests, and dissolutions of political parties.
Supporters argue that the changes are necessary to formalize a transition, provide a constitutional basis for elections, and establish institutions to stabilize governance. Some ordinary citizens point to improvements under Doumbouya’s leadership, such as infrastructure, as reasons to endorse the referendum. For instance, one voter told AP News: “In my neighborhood, we didn’t have roads… now, he took care of that.” Others, however, voice concern that even if the constitution is approved, real reform depends on adherence to how the constitution is applied, not just its text.
If the referendum passes, the constitution would likely come into force allowing elections under the new rules later in December 2025, as announced by the government. Whether the turnout will meet the required thresholds and whether the international community will view the process—and result—as legitimate are key to whether this referendum really does usher in democracy, or completes the consolidation of power by the current regime.
