The ongoing referendum in Guinea is drawing sharp reactions from civil society and political observers. Critics argue that a “Yes” vote could usher in a seven-year renewable presidential term, a bicameral parliament, and pave the way for Mamady Doumbouya to remain in power well into the 2040s.

Emmanuel Yeboah, a research analyst with WADEMOS, told WADR that the stakes are particularly high for ECOWAS. He warned that endorsing or quietly accepting the process risks normalizing electoral autocracy and weakening the bloc’s own commitments to democratic governance.