Guinea became the first of France’s sub-Saharan African colonies to gain full independence on October 2, 1958, rejecting membership in France’s “French Community” with Ahmed Sékou Touré becoming its first president. Touré later established a one-party state under the Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG) that persisted until his death in 1984. A new constitution in 1991 paved the way for multiparty democracy, introducing a civilian presidency and a unicameral National Assembly; the first multiparty elections followed in 1993.

Under its 2020 Constitution, Guinea became a unitary republic featuring a semi-presidential system: a directly elected President limited to two six-year terms, a presidentially appointed Prime Minister, and a unicameral National Assembly elected for five-year terms, supported by various high courts, including a Constitutional Court.

However, in September 2021, a military coup led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya overthrew President Alpha Condé, suspended the constitution, and established a transitional governing body, the CNRD, as the country’s authority. Guinea is currently governed under a transitional charter with a junta-led National Transitional Council in place.

Key Political Transitions & Governance Trajectory
– 1991: Transition to multiparty democracy initiated under a new constitution.
– 2020: New constitution approved through a referendum; extended presidential term to six years.
– 2021: Col. Mamady Doumbouya orchestrated a coup, abolishing constitutional rule and dissolving democratic institutions.
– 2022–2024: Transition period unfolds with growing authoritarian control, dissolution of political parties, and suppression of civil society.
– 2025: The junta sets a constitutional referendum for September 21 and plans presidential and legislative elections for December 2025, managed through a newly created election body, the Directorate General of Elections (DGE), amid ongoing concerns over democratic integrity.