Guinea’s military ruler, Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, has formally submitted his candidacy for the upcoming December 28 presidential election, a move that starkly contradicts his earlier vow not to seek office after leading a military coup four years ago.

Doumbouya, who has served as interim president since toppling former leader Alpha Condé in September 2021, could extend his rule for another seven years if he wins the vote.

The election will be conducted under a newly adopted constitution, approved through a recent referendum, which allows members of the ruling junta to contest elections and lengthens the presidential term from five to seven years.

The development places Guinea among several West African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where military rulers have tightened their hold on power despite earlier commitments to restore democracy.

In the aftermath of the 2021 coup, Doumbouya had pledged a peaceful transition to civilian rule and assured Guineans that neither he nor any member of the military government would participate in future elections. His candidacy now marks a significant shift from that promise.

Doumbouya joins a small field of contenders, including former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté and former minister Ousmane Kaba, though analysts say the race heavily favours the incumbent junta.

Under his leadership, Guinea’s political landscape has become increasingly repressive. The junta has intensified crackdowns on opposition parties, forcing prominent opposition figures Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Touré into exile. Their parties are unlikely to appear on the December ballot, leaving Doumbouya with little serious competition.

Adding to concerns about the integrity of the process, the junta recently established a new electoral commission, with its top officials to be appointed by presidential decree, further consolidating Doumbouya’s control over the political process.

If elected, Doumbouya’s presidency could cement military dominance in Guinea’s politics for years to come, signalling yet another setback for democratic governance in the region.