With the presidential election of December 28 approaching, 51 political parties have been certified by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization (MATD). This certification allows them to operate freely. However, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and the Guinean People’s Assembly (RPG) remain suspended.
In Guinea, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization (MATD) is continuing its extensive effort to clean up the political landscape. On October 15, an additional 51 political parties obtained their certificate of compliance, an essential requirement to legally conduct political activities in the country. However, it also confirms the notable exclusion of two heavyweights of the Guinean political scene: the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and the Guinean People’s Assembly (RPG).
“Several major parties, including the UFDG and RPG, remain suspended or excluded from the process for non-compliance with the requirements set by the ministry. Previous evaluation waves in 2024-2025 had led to the dissolution, suspension, or placement under observation of many groups, sparking mixed reactions in the public sphere. But some of these groups went on to comply with the requirements, so their applications were validated. In summary, this step marks a phase of structuring and controlling the political field, aiming to ensure an orderly electoral environment that meets institutional requirements, while paving the way for a pluralistic competition regulated by law.”
According to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, the UFDG and RPG failed to meet the new requirements, notably organizing a congress for the UFDG and updating internal structures for the RPG.
“The exclusion of the UFDG and RPG, which represent a significant portion of the electorate in national political life, raises serious questions. Indeed, just months before the presidential election, preventing these two heavyweights from participating calls into question the fairness and inclusiveness of the electoral process.”
As a crucial presidential election approaches, the ongoing certification process is profoundly reshaping Guinea’s political landscape. Officially intended to clean up and structure political life, this widespread wave of suspensions is however drawing criticism, with some seeing the decisions as selective, particularly those targeting the main opposition forces. While the Union of Republican Forces (UFR) is preparing to designate a new candidate, the exclusion of the UFDG and RPG could tarnish the credibility of the electoral process in the eyes of a segment of the public.