Gambiaj.com – (CONAKRY, Guinea) – Former Guinean president Alpha Condé on Sunday congratulated his compatriots for what he described as a “massive boycott” of the constitutional referendum held the same day by the transitional authorities.
In a statement released from his exile in Türkiye, Condé — ousted in a military coup in September 2021 — called the September 21 vote a “resounding victory of the people,” claiming polling stations were largely empty and that “despite planned fraud and ballot stuffing, nothing could hide your unanimous rejection” of the draft constitution.
The former leader drew a historical parallel with Guinea’s landmark “NO” vote of September 28, 1958, when the country rejected continued membership in the French Community to proclaim its independence.
“Today again, you said NO to arbitrariness and YES to freedom,” he declared, while criticizing certain foreign media for “choosing to silence this popular victory.” Condé urged his supporters to “remain united, strengthen resistance, and never give in to fear or discouragement.”
The referendum, presented by the authorities as a crucial step toward restoring constitutional order, has deepened political divisions. While the transitional leadership highlighted strong voter turnout, opposition groups and segments of civil society pointed instead to widespread rejection in several areas.
A coalition of 16 civil society organizations, which deployed about 6,000 observers nationwide, reported that most polling stations opened between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., with only minor delays.
Observers noted adequate availability of voting materials — including ballot papers (99.68%), electoral rolls (99.85%), and sealed ballot boxes (99.83%) — as well as proper placement of voting booths, which they said contributed to transparency.
The Association of Bloggers of Guinea (ABLOGUI) condemned what it described as “serious restrictions” on internet access throughout the poll.
Still, the observers documented several minor irregularities, such as absent or late polling staff and difficulties identifying certain polling stations, some of which lacked assigned numbers.
Meanwhile, the Association of Bloggers of Guinea (ABLOGUI) denounced what it called “serious restrictions” on internet access during the referendum.
In a statement, the group said it recorded widespread disruptions affecting platforms such as Facebook and Telegram from the early hours of voting. “These blockages represent a grave violation of freedom of expression and citizens’ right to information,” ABLOGUI said, warning that such restrictions undermine transparency and public trust in the process.
While the transitional government insists the referendum marks a milestone toward constitutional stability, it has instead highlighted Guinea’s stark political rifts — with claims of boycott, logistical hiccups, and allegations of cybercensorship adding to the controversy.
