Official campaigns for Guinea’s constitutional referendum kicked off this weekend under new media coverage rules announced by the High Authority of Communication (HAC).
The regulations mandate equal airtime for both supporters and opponents of the referendum.
However, only “recognized entities” without disputes with the state will be allowed media access—a restriction condemned by the Guinean Professional Press Union as curbing press freedom.
Private broadcasters have also been barred from hosting interactive programs on the referendum, a move union officials say undermines freedom of expression.
“You cannot defend freedom of speech for all Guineans while forbidding open debate on such a crucial issue,” said union representative Sékou Jamal Pendessa.
Campaigning runs from August 31 to September 18, with the vote set for September 21, the fourth anniversary of the 2021 coup that brought the CNRD military junta to power.
The proposed constitution would extend presidential terms from five to seven years while maintaining a two-term limit.
A lifetime cap on presidencies, however, has been removed.
It also creates a Senate, with one-third of its members appointed directly by the president.
The referendum comes amid growing concerns about Guinea’s democratic trajectory, as the junta has dissolved political parties and missed earlier election deadlines.
