Guinea held a high-stakes referendum on Sunday on a new constitution that many fear could entrench military rule and pave the way for coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to seek the presidency. While the government insists the draft constitution will strengthen democratic institutions, critics say it is designed to legitimise the junta’s hold on power. “Opponents fear this referendum will open the door for the current military rulers to participate in the [next] election,” Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris reported from Conakry. President Doumbouya, who seized power in 2021 after ousting longtime leader Alpha Conde, had initially pledged to restore civilian rule by December 2024. Rights groups have accused the junta of silencing dissent, including through the disappearance of political opponents, allegations the government denies.