Guinea military rulers suspend three opposition parties before referendum

"Guineas military rulers have suspended the country's three main opposition parties, including that of former President Alpha Conde, in the run-up to a constitutional referendum next month. The order on Saturday prevents 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 from engaging in any political activities for 90 days with immediate effect."

"In a separate order read on state television late on Friday, Guinea's military rulers also declared that the start of the election campaign period for a revised constitution had been pushed back a week, to August 31. Since Friday, parties have been allowed to advertise their proposals for a new version of the constitution. The referendum is scheduled for September 21."

Guinea's military rulers suspended the country's three main opposition parties — including Alpha Conde's Rally of the Guinean People, Cellou Dalein Diallo's Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea, and the Party of Renewal and Progress — from political activity for 90 days. The order cited unfulfilled obligations. The start of the campaign period for a revised constitution was postponed to August 31, with advertising for proposals permitted. A referendum on the new constitution is scheduled for September 21. Opposition parties and civil society planned demonstrations from September 5 to protest what they view as a power grab by General Mamady Doumbouya. The military government has banned demonstrations since 2022 and has detained, prosecuted, or exiled several opposition figures.

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