from OKORO CHINEDU in Abuja, NigeriaNigeria BureauABUJA, (CAJ News) – HOPES that Guinea’s constitutional referendum would mark a decisive step towards restoring civilian rule after four years of military governance have been dashed, with observers branding the process a façade designed to entrench the ruling junta. In March, 28 political parties, including the RPG of ousted president Alpha Condé, were also sidelined. Alfred Nkuru Balakali, West Africa director for Article 19, stressed that the referendum represented a critical test for Guinea’s return to constitutional order. “The 21st September constitutional referendum is a significant step in Guinea’s march towards the restoration of constitutional order,” ECOWAS declared. For Guinea’s estimated 15 million citizens, many of whom had hoped for a genuine return to democracy, the promise of civilian rule remains distant.