ECOWAS Election Observation Mission Deepens Democratic Engagement in Guinea Ahead of December 28 Presidential Poll By Raymond Enoch

With Guinea just days away from its long-awaited presidential election on December 28, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has stepped up its democratic engagement, deploying a comprehensive Election Observation Mission (EOM) aimed at reinforcing electoral credibility and supporting the country’s return to constitutional order.

As part of these intensified efforts, the ECOWAS EOM, led by its Head of Mission, H.E. Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, held a high-level working session with the Directorate General of Elections (DGE) in Conakry.

The delegation was received by the Director General of the DGE, Madam Djenabou Touré-Camara, who briefed the mission on the final stages of preparation for what she described as a historic election for Guinea.
Madam Touré-Camara reaffirmed the electoral body’s commitment to conducting a transparent, inclusive, and credible process, emphasizing that the December 28 vote represents a critical step in restoring public confidence in democratic governance.

She encouraged the ECOWAS observers to fully engage with the electoral process, noting that international oversight plays a vital role in strengthening trust in the outcome of elections.

In his response, Dr. Janneh underscored the strategic importance of the DGE as the institution entrusted with organizing the polls, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process will shape Guinea’s democratic future. He noted that ECOWAS’ presence in Guinea reflects the regional bloc’s resolve to accompany the country through a peaceful transition, while ensuring that the will of the Guinean people is freely and fairly expressed.
“The conduct of credible elections remains the foundation of constitutional order,” Dr. Janneh stated, adding that ECOWAS is committed to supporting both the authorities and the electorate in ensuring that the process meets regional and international democratic standards.

The Conakry engagement comes on the heels of the official deployment of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, which commenced on December 25. Addressing Short-Term Observers ahead of their nationwide deployment, Dr. Janneh reminded them that their work is central to assessing the integrity of the electoral process and reinforcing public confidence in Guinea’s democratic transition. He described Guinea as a historically significant member of the ECOWAS community whose stability and democratic progress remain vital to the wider West African region.

In line with this mandate, ECOWAS has deployed 120 Short-Term Observers, alongside 10 ECOWAS Parliamentarians and three representatives of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, across all administrative regions of Guinea. They will work in close coordination with Medium-Term Observers already stationed throughout the country to monitor the final phases of the electoral cycle, including voting, counting, and collation processes.

Also speaking at the briefing, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, described the mission as a clear demonstration of the Community’s solidarity with the Guinean people. He highlighted ECOWAS’ sustained engagement in Guinea, particularly in areas of preventive diplomacy and security sector reforms, which he said are essential for maintaining a stable environment conducive to credible elections.

The briefing was attended by senior ECOWAS officials, including the Deputy Head of Mission, Senator Lawan Gana Guba of Nigeria, Hon. Abdou Kolley, Chief of Staff to the ECOWAS Commission President, and the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Guinea, H.E. Louis-Blaise Aka Brou, who welcomed the observers and wished them a successful mission.

As Guinea approaches this decisive electoral moment, ECOWAS’ expanded observation and diplomatic engagement underscore the regional bloc’s broader commitment to deepening democratic governance, safeguarding peace, and strengthening constitutional order across West Africa.