By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Political parties in Guinea will on Sunday flag off campaign to gather support in the proposed constitutional change which among other things, extends presidential terms from five to seven years.
Also the proposed amendment introduces the establishment of a Senate, which will have one-third of its members directly appointed by the head of state.
This comes as the General Mamadi Doumbouya-led junta introduces a contentious media guideline which regulates the campaign which runs from August 31 to September 18.
Voting is scheduled for September 21, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the military coup led by the CNRD in 2021.
The media guideline released by the High Authority of Communication (HAC), which oversees media regulations, requires that audiovisual media provide equal airtime for both supporters and opponents of the referendum.
It also stipulates that private media outlets are prohibited from engaging in interactive programmes that discuss the referendum, a move condemned as an infringement on freedom of expression.
The President of Guinean Professional Press Union, Boubacar Yacine Diallo while reacting to the development says while no one is banned from media access, journalists must steer clear of unrecognized entities or those in legal conflict.
Also, Sékou Jamal Pendessa a member of the press union expressed concern, saying, “You cannot defend freedom of expression for all Guineans while simultaneously barring interactive discussions on campaign issues. The referendum affects everyone.”
Since the 2021 military coup that ousted democratically elected President Alpha Condé, Doumbouya-led transitional government has been in place.
There has however been concern on the credibility of the outcome of the referendum, especially with the dissolution of prominent opposition political parties, including that of ousted President Alpha Conde.
