Gambiaj.com – (CONAKRY, Guinea) – Guinea’s campaign for the December 28 presidential election has entered its first week with an unusually subdued atmosphere, marked by the absence of major political figures and a lack of large-scale rallies. The official campaign period began on November 28, but so far neither frontrunner Mamadi Doumbouya nor his eight challengers have held mass gatherings.
With no rallies or televised debates, voters have largely relied on campaign videos broadcast on national television.
One of the most prominent features is General Mamadi Doumbouya wearing a T-shirt and cap emblazoned with the name of his movement, Generation for Modernity and Development (GMD).
In the video, the transitional leader highlights what he describes as key achievements over his four years in power, including progress on the Simandou mining project and the construction of the Bambéto interchange in Conakry.
Despite his advantage in visibility and incumbency, Doumbouya faces opponents seeking to challenge his frontrunner status. Yet none of the traditional heavyweight parties, the UFDG, UFR, or RPG, have endorsed any candidate, citing their non-recognition of the electoral process.
Their absence has reshaped the political landscape, leaving candidates to compete without the support of Guinea’s most powerful political machines.
Political analyst Kabinet Fofana notes that Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé, candidate of the Democratic Front of Guinea (Frondeg), is attempting to attract voters aligned with these major parties.
But Fofana questions whether the former minister under Alpha Condé can mobilize their base without explicit instructions from party leaders. Nevertheless, he believes Baldé stands out among the contenders.
“Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé seems to be one of the best-prepared candidates for the campaign,” Fofana said, pointing to Baldé’s ongoing media engagements in France as evidence of his strategic groundwork.
Other campaign teams are still finalizing their plans, but analysts predict a significant increase in activity in the coming days. The campaign is set to conclude on December 26, just two days before Guineans head to the polls.
