Date set for Guinea referendum

Guinea’s President Alpha Condé has announced that a constitutional referendum, which has been the subject of widespread protests across the country, will be held on 1st March. 

The referendum could result in the constitution being amended to allow President Condé to seek a third term in office. 

Rumours of the 81-year-old’s desire to hold on to power have prompted mass demonstrations since October 2019. Several protestors have died in various anti-government rallies in the capital of Conakry. 

Guinea’s opposition party, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea, told AP news agency it would be boycotting the March referendum.

“There will be no election or referendum” said opposition leader Sidya Touré. 

Presidential adviser Souleymane Keita told reporters the vote would proceed irrespective of an opposition boycott. 

The government has also postponed legislative elections, which were scheduled for 16th February, to 1st March.

President Condé first came to power in 2010, becoming Guinea’s first democratically elected leader since independence from France.

He was then re-elected for a second term five years later. Rumours of his desire to remain in office past his term limit have not sat well with many Guineans, who remember the 24-year rule of Lansana Conte. The dictator only left office upon his death in 2008.

Photo: AFP