Guinea’s Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah has confirmed that his government will not resign following the overwhelming approval of the country’s new constitution, emphasizing the need for stability and adherence to democratic principles.
The constitutional referendum, held on September 21, saw 89.38% of voters endorse the new text, with a turnout of 86.42%. Out of 5,746,327 valid ballots, 5,135,951 voted “Yes” and 610,376 “No,” while 205,480 ballots were invalidated.
Conducted across 412 constituencies and over 22,000 polling stations, the referendum marks a critical milestone in Guinea’s ongoing political transition.
The new constitution introduces a seven-year presidential term renewable once, establishes a Senate, and allows for the possibility of President Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a September 2021 coup, to run in the next presidential election. Provisional results have been submitted to the Supreme Court for final validation.
Speaking on Wednesday, Bah Oury hailed the turnout and participation as a demonstration of the Guinean people’s political maturity. “This is an important step towards the return to constitutional order.
This referendum has even deeper meanings, marked mainly by a particularly significant participation rate, which gives real legitimacy to the constitution thus adopted by the people of Guinea,” he said.
Responding to speculation that his government might resign, Bah Oury was unequivocal: “From the moment we adopt the constitution, we must comply with the principles laid down by this constitution.
In no article of this present constitution does it say that the government must resign.” He added that public action would continue on the principle of stability, while leaving room for future adjustments at the discretion of the President.
Bah Oury stressed that the “Yes” vote represents a collective achievement, saying: “The Yes vote is not the victory of one camp against another, but that of all of Guinea.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and advancing the next stages of the transition, including presidential, legislative, municipal, regional, and senatorial elections.
The referendum coincides with Guinea’s 67th independence anniversary, celebrated under the theme: “Drawing inspiration from the past to build the future together,” signaling a renewed focus on national unity and constitutional governance.
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