Guinea Transitional Authorities Propose New Constitution with Presidential Term Limits

In a significant political development, Guinea’s transitional authorities have unveiled a draft constitution aimed at overhauling the country’s presidential system and introducing new term limits. This move comes in the wake of the military coup in September 2021 that ousted President Alpha Conde amidst widespread public unrest over his controversial bid for a third term in office after amending the constitution.

The draft constitution, presented to the National Transitional Council on Monday, proposes a five-year presidential term with the possibility of a single renewal, effectively reducing the term length from the six-year terms stipulated in the 2020 constitution. This change is seen as a critical step towards ensuring political stability and preventing prolonged tenures in office, which have historically been a point of contention in Guinea’s political landscape.

One of the most notable provisions in the new draft is the introduction of an age limit for presidential candidates, which would render former President Alpha Conde, now 86, ineligible for future elections. Conde’s removal from office in 2021 was a direct result of the public’s dissatisfaction with his attempt to extend his rule, leading to the military’s intervention and the establishment of an interim government.

The draft constitution, if approved, could pave the way for the participation of the current transitional leader, Mamady Doumbouya, in future presidential elections. The document does not explicitly prohibit military personnel from running for office, leaving open the possibility for Doumbouya to transition from military leadership to civilian governance. Doumbouya, who led the coup against Conde, has been serving as the transitional president since then, with the military initially promising a two-year transition period to restore civilian rule. However, the exact timeline for this transition remains unclear.

The proposal to introduce term limits and age restrictions is seen as a positive step towards democratizing Guinea’s political system and preventing the concentration of power. It reflects the authorities’ response to the demands for political reform and greater accountability, which were among the driving forces behind the 2021 coup.

In related news, former military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison, along with seven of his military commanders, for their roles in the 2009 Conakry stadium massacre. This conviction underscores the ongoing efforts to address past human rights abuses and reinforce the rule of law in Guinea.

The draft constitution will be subject to a referendum, giving the people of Guinea the final say in these crucial reforms.