Guinea’s transitional government has proposed a new constitution that extends presidential terms to seven years with a two-term limit. It introduces a 30% quota for women in public office, elevates African languages to official status, and will be decided by a referendum in September. It remains unclear if junta leader Mamady Doumbouya will run for president, despite earlier pledges not to.

Guinea's transitional government has unveiled a draft constitution that proposes extending the presidential term from five to seven years, while maintaining a two-term limit. The document, which will be subjected to a public referendum in September, is part of a broader effort to transition the country back to constitutional rule after a period of military leadership.

The draft was formally presented to General Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of the military junta that seized power in 2021 by ousting former President Alpha Condé. That coup was one of several recent military takeovers across West Africa. However, the document remains silent on whether Doumbouya himself will be eligible to run in future presidential elections.

Following the coup, Doumbouya had publicly committed not to contest in any upcoming election, and the transition roadmap adopted by the junta explicitly barred its members from participating as candidates. Despite this, several prominent figures aligned with the junta have begun voicing support for his potential candidacy, raising questions about whether the original pledges will be upheld.

Beyond presidential term changes, the draft constitution includes a number of significant reforms. It seeks to recognize African languages as official languages alongside French, a move seen as an effort to promote cultural inclusion and national identity. Additionally, the draft proposes a 30% minimum quota for women’s representation in elected offices and leadership roles within the public sector. This provision is aimed at improving gender equality and increasing women’s participation in the political process.

The upcoming referendum will be a key milestone in Guinea’s return to democratic governance and is being closely watched by both regional and international observers.