Gen Mamady Doumbouya has won Guinea’s presidential election, according to preliminary results from the country’s election commission, capturing a commanding majority.

The junta leader, who came to power in a 2021 coup, is seeking to formalize his authority through the vote.

Civil society groups pushing for a return to civilian rule condemned the election as a “charade,” pointing out that Doumbouya’s main rivals were barred from running. Opposition candidates also raised concerns over alleged irregularities.

On Monday, internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks reported restrictions on social media platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook as citizens awaited the results. While authorities have not commented, critics view the block as an attempt to limit criticism of the vote.

Provisional figures released on Tuesday showed Doumbouya winning 86.72% of the 28 December vote, well above the threshold needed to avoid a runoff, giving him a seven-year mandate. The Supreme Court has eight days to validate the results if challenges are lodged.

Opposition candidate Faya Millimono accused the election of involving “systematic fraudulent practices,” including expulsion of poll observers, ballot stuffing, and voter intimidation. The government and ruling party have not yet responded to these claims.

Following the overthrow of then-83-year-old President Alpha Condé in 2021, Doumbouya had pledged not to run for office and to return power to civilians. “Neither I nor any member of this transition will be a candidate for anything… As soldiers, we value our word very much,” he stated at the time.