As Guinea moves toward its first post-coup presidential election, scheduled for December 28, 2025, to replace the ruling military junta, the electoral body has announced that presidential candidates are required to deposit a refundable registration fee of $100,000 USD ( 875 million Guinean Francs).
The substantial deposit, which has sparked immediate debate among political parties and civil society groups, is seen by critics as a move that could severely restrict the democratic field, effectively barring smaller or less-moneyed parties and independent candidates from contesting.
“We need to be reasonable and not set amounts that will exclude certain candidates,” one political party representative reportedly commented during earlier discussions on the election fees, proposing a significantly lower sum.
Historically, the issue of candidate registration fees in Guinea has been contentious, with various proposed amounts debated by the electoral commission and political stakeholders. While the deposit is often intended to be returned if a candidate secures 5% of the vote.
Proponents of the high deposit often argue that it helps streamline the process and ensures that candidates are serious about their commitment to the electoral process. However, for a country where political participation is seen as crucial for its transition to civilian rule, particularly following recent military-led transitions, the high cost raises serious questions about electoral fairness and inclusivity.
In presidential elections, the Nigerian electoral commission set a fee of 100m naira ($67,000) sparking widespread criticism. Similarly, In Cameroon, the deposit is $53,000 and Ivory Coast $90,000.
The debate over the fee is occurring against the backdrop of significant constitutional changes. Following a controversial referendum, the new Constitution has been approved, which notably removes the provision banning members of the ruling junta from running for office.
This change potentially clears the way for Guinea’s coup leader general Mamadi Doumbouya to contest the 2025 election.
Opponents view the high candidate deposit as another element that, alongside the constitutional amendments and the recent suspension of major opposition parties’ activities, serves to consolidate the power of the incumbent regime and marginalize credible political competition.
