Guinea’s junta suspends 3 political parties ahead of constitutional referendum

Guinea’s military junta has suspended three major political parties, including the Rally of the Guinean People led by former president Alpha Conde, for three months.

The suspension comes ahead of a referendum on revising the constitution, scheduled for September 21.

The junta cited the parties’ failure to fulfill their obligations as the reason for the suspension.

The affected parties include Conde’s Rally of the Guinean People, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea led by former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, and the Party of Renewal and Progress.

”These parties have not fulfilled the obligations required of them,” the order stated.

In a separate order on Friday, the junta declared that the start of the election campaign period for the revised constitution has been pushed back to August 31.

The opposition has expressed concerns over the junta’s intentions, accusing General Mamadi Doumbouya of attempting to grab power.

The referendum has been a subject of controversy, with the opposition opposing the move.

A draft constitution presented to the junta leader in June opened the way for a return to civilian rule but did not clarify whether Doumbouya could stand as a candidate in the next presidential election.

A “transition charter” drawn up by the junta after the coup had stipulated that none of its leaders, government members, or heads of institutions would be able to stand in elections.

The adoption of a new constitution could potentially do away with this restriction. ”

AFP