Guinea’s Coup Chief Claims Landslide Victory After Excluding Major Rivals

Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in Guinea more than four years ago, claimed a landslide victory in a presidential election held on Sunday, according to provisional results released by a government-controlled electoral agency he established. The agency reported that General Doumbouya won more than 80 percent of the vote; one breakdown gave him about 86 percent compared with 6 percent for Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé, who placed second.

At least three opposition figures have publicly conceded. Mr. Baldé said he would mount a legal challenge, accusing the Doumbouya government of fraud and voter intimidation. "The margin is really huge," he said. "It’s not the reality. It’s impossible." The vote followed the dissolution of the independent body that previously ran elections and the barring of leading opponents, including longtime opposition figure Cellou Dalein Diallo, who was forced into exile.

Analysts had widely expected a lopsided result. Doumbouya, 41, a former French Legionnaire married to a French citizen, campaigned on promises of unity and economic progress and has raised hopes by expanding Guinea’s role as a bauxite exporter and advancing an iron ore project. Supporters and some residents welcomed the orderly vote.

"To my knowledge, this is the first time that a presidential election has taken place without violence in Guinea," said Abdoulaye Keita, a 27-year-old minibus driver in Conakry.

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Sports, United States, World, Guinea, Elections, Coup, Doumbouya