Guineans are left reeling after a whopping $100,000 deposit fee was unveiled for presidential candidates vying in December’s election.
The election, which is expected to mark the first transition of power from military rule to civilian hands since Colonel Mamady Doumbouya seized power in 2021, has already sparked widespread criticism.
Analysts argue that the exorbitant fee will further exacerbate existing concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process.
Political analysts point out that the deposit, although slightly lower than a previous record of $400m, is still prohibitively expensive for many aspiring candidates.
The regime claims the high amount is necessary to ensure only credible candidates participate in the elections.
However, presidential hopefuls like Faya Millimono argue that such fees are an unfair barrier to entry for genuine contenders.
Guinea’s election costs rank among the highest in the region, sparking concerns about the ability of ordinary citizens to engage with the electoral process.
The government has set a campaign spending limit of $4.6m and a deposit fee that is roughly equivalent to $100,000, fueling speculation that only well-connected candidates can compete.
As Guinea enters this historic election without some prominent opposition figures, many worry about the integrity of the process.
Source: www.bbc.com
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