Four years after the military seized power, Guineans will finally vote on a new draft constitution that would pave the way for elections but also permit the country's junta leader to run for president, in a referendum boycotted by the opposition.

The Sunday vote, which Guineans and the international community have been awaiting for years, opens the way for stalled political elections in the west African nation.

The country has been ruled with an iron fist by junta chief General Mamady Doumbouya since he overthrew elected civilian president Alpha Conde in 2021.

Some 6.7 million Guineans will be able to cast a ballot, out of a population of approximately 14.5 million people.

Among the poorest countries in the world despite having rich natural resources, such as bauxite and iron ore, Guinea has a long history of coups and violent authoritarian regimes.

Under international pressure, Guinea's military initially pledged to return power to civilians before the end of 2024.

Staging a referendum has allowed the junta to deflect demands from the international community and donors to hold the election for a........

© International Business Times