Coup Leader on the Ballot as Guinea Votes for President

Voters in Guinea cast ballots on Sunday in a presidential election that marks a major step in the nation's return to civilian rule. The frontrunner is the man who seized power in a military coup just three years ago. Interim President Mamadi Doumbouya, an army general, is widely expected to win a full seven-year term. He led the 2021 overthrow of former President Alpha Condé. Approximately 6.7 million registered voters were eligible to participate. The election is a key part of a promised transition back to constitutional democracy. Doumbouya faces three other candidates. He has campaigned on promises to fight corruption and rebuild the country's institutions. International observers are closely watching the poll in this West African nation, which is rich in bauxite, a mineral used to make aluminum.