Four years after military leader General Mamady Doumbouya led a coup that toppled the civilian government of the day and derailed the country’s fragile democracy, Guineans will head to the polls in a Sunday vote that will likely not deliver any surprises.The young military leader, known for his signature wraparound sunglasses, is widely expected to win the vote on December 28 and solidify his hold on power in the resource-rich West African nation, as key opposition figures have been barred from participating.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listWith a population of 15 million, Guinea holds one of the world’s largest deposits of iron ore and is the leading exporter of bauxite – a key component of aluminium. Doumbouya’s government is banking on its vast mines, especially the mega Simandou mine – one of the largest iron ore projects in the world, to create more jobs and revenue in the coming years. Diamond, gold and uranium deposits are also abundant in the country.Doumbouya has gained some support due to new policies that have boosted mining exports. However, the general’s detractors question his legitimacy, citing his previous pledge not to run in elections, as well as his various bans on protests and media.The 2021 coup destabilised Guinea’s democratic trajectory. Afte …
