"Guineans headed to the polls on Sunday to vote in the country’s first presidential election since the military seized power in a 2021 coup. Some observers say the ballot is likely to favour leader General Mamadi Doumbouya due to what they describe as a weakened and fragmented opposition. Footage captured in Conakry shows voters queuing at polling stations, inking their fingers and casting ballots, as election officials worked through logistical challenges. Opposition candidate Abdulai Yero Balde can also be seen visiting a polling station to cast his vote. Some locals expressed their support for Doumbouya. “We are here to vote for Mamadi Doumbouya,” said Fatoumata Kante. “Since he has been here, we are calm. There are no fights. Everything is good. We can go out whenever we want.” Others reported delays in the voting process. “I have been here since 7 o’clock,” said Yacouba Kamara, a voter. “In my opinion, the operation is slow. Things are not going as expected.” Election officials acknowledged early difficulties at some stations, but stated that the issues had been overcome and the vote will now take place in 'perfect conditions'. “At first, it wasn't easy because our room is not electrified, there was a shadow," said Aboubacar Toure, a voting officer in Conakry. "Since it's daylight, we opened the windows and the room started to become brighter." Opposition candidate Abdulai Yero Balde said the vote can serve as a turning point for the country. “Today is a historic day that will determine the fate of Guinea for decades to come,” he said, expressing confidence that voters have embraced his campaign programme. The election marks the end of a four-year political transition that began when Doumbouya overthrew President Alpha Conde. Since taking power, the military leader has faced criticism from rights groups and political opponents over restrictions on political freedoms. More than 50 political parties were dissolved last year, while several prominent opposition figures were barred or excluded from the race. Longtime opposition leaders Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Toure remain in exile, leaving Doumbouya standing against nine other candidates. Around 6.7 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at roughly 24,000 polling stations nationwide. Official results are expected within 48 hours, with a runoff planned if no candidate secures an outright majority."