The announcement that presidential candidates must pay a deposit of 875 million Guinean francs (around $100,000) to contest the December elections has ignited widespread debate in Guinea, as the country’s military leadership prepares to hand power back to civilians.
The unusually high amount—well above that required in most neighboring countries—has raised concerns among opposition figures and analysts amid a delicate political transition under a new constitution that allows coup leader Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in 2021, to run for president.
Observers warn the move could restrict genuine competition, while authorities defend the steep fee as necessary to ensure the “seriousness” of candidates.
The deposit will only be refunded to those who receive more than 5% of the vote.
So far, around 50 party-affiliated candidates and 16 independents have been approved, while the fate of leading opposition figures — including former president Alpha Condé — remains uncertain pending final registration.
