General Doumbouya won the presidential elections in Guinea on 28 December 2025. It was the first election since the 2021 coup. Civil society organisations challenged the elections.
The Republic of Guinea held its presidential elections on 28 December 2025. General Mamady Doumbouya won the presidency, having attained 86.72% of the votes. The Democratic Front of Guinea’s flag bearer, Abdoulaye Balde, received 6.65% of the total votes. Civil society questioned the election’s legitimacy, calling it as a “charade” after Doumbouya's main rivals were barred from contesting. The polls took place after the adoption of a constitutional referendum that removed the ban on ex-military running for office and also extended the presidential term from 5 years to 7.
It was the first election after the military coup and concluded the transition process sparked by Doumboya’s ousting of Alpha Conde in 2021, ending his 11-year presidency. The Transitional National Council (Conseil National de Transition), established in 2021, serves as the interim parliament until legislative elections scheduled for May 2026. The Council comprises 81 members appointed by the president's decree. The Council served as the primary legislative driver for the referendum and approval of the promulgated Constitution.
Women’s Political Participation
Women make up 29.6% (24 out of the 81) of the Transitional National Council’s members. In contrast, male representation is at 70.6% (57 members). The cabinet follows a similar trend. Women constitute 31% of the 20-member cabinet compared to 69% men. Among the 20 ministers of President Doumbouya’s government are three women:
- Mariama Ciré Sylla, Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget
- Khaité Sall, Minister of Health and Public Hygiene
- Patricia Adeline Lamah, Minister of Women, Family and Solidarity
While there were no female presidential candidates in the 2025 polls, Hadja Saran Daraba Kaba made history as the first female candidate in the Guinean presidential race of 2010.
Legislative, policy, and other reforms on women’s rights
Guinea has made significant progress in promoting women to leadership, marked by a significant increase in women in government. The 2025 Constitution includes provisions on, among others, universal and equal suffrage, equality, and freedom of expression.
In 2019, Guinea enacted the candidates lists for all national and local elective positions. The Law strengthens the constitutional provision on the electoral quota of 30% for women in all elective positions.
Concerning harmful practices and violence against women, in 2019, the Criminal Code established the legal age of marriage at 18. Guinea does not have a dedicated law addressing cases of violence against women (VAW); VAW is addressed in other legislations, such as the Penal Code. Articles 248 and 268 of the Penal Code criminalizes and penalise domestic violence and rape. Articles 258 - 261 of the Penal Code allow for the prosecution of FGM cases on narrow grounds.
In 2024, the third National Gender Policy (NGP) 2024-2029 was introduced. The policy’s objective is the integration of gender-responsive strategies across all government domains. NGP is focused on access to basic services, respect for human rights, access to and control of resources, improved governance and gender mainstreaming
Challenges to women’s political participation and representation
Guinea has achieved substantial progress on women’s rights; however, challenges remain in achieving gender equality. A lack of gender-disaggregated data hinders the full assessment of empowerment initiatives. Furthermore, systemic discrimination is sustained by legal loopholes and restrictive policies that often conflict with constitutional guarantees. For example, in cases of Gender based-violence, articles 295 and 298 of the Civil Code allow for offenders to evade penalty if pardoned by their victims.
The country has a wide literacy gap, with over 48% of the gap yet to be closed. Guinea also has a significantly high child marriage rate, with 46% of women aged between 20 and 24 years having been married before age 18. 94.5% of women aged 15 -49 have undergone Female Genital Mutilation(FGM), with more than 70% having undergone the cut between the ages of 5 and 14. As of 2023, 37% of women aged 15-49 had experienced violence at the hands of a former partner at least once in their lifetime. This demonstrates the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework tailored to Guinean women’s needs.
Women in Guinea advocating for change
Efforts, led by Guinean women’s rights and civil society organizations and activists, seek to address the gaps and inequalities. Initiatives also bring together various actors, including elected leaders, such as the launch of the National Council of Girls and Women of Guinea (CONAFFEG). The Council, an advisory body, provides women with an institutional space for expression, consultation and active participation in decision making. Others, such as Humanitaire pour la Protection de la Femme et de L'enfant (HPFE - Humanitarian for the Protection of Women and Children) promotes women’s rights and seeks to combat harmful practices through its advocacy work.
Conclusion
General Doumbouya won the country’s first presidential election since the 2021 coup, securing 86.72% of the votes. Civil society organisations questioned the validity of the presidential election.
In the recently concluded presidential polls, there were no female candidates. Guinean women make up around one third of the Transitional Council’s members and appointed members of the cabinet. The next legislative polls are scheduled for May 2026.