Doumbouya, who assumed leadership in 2021, had previously stated he would not seek the presidency. However, a new constitution endorsed in a nationwide referendum in September created eligibility for his participation. He registered his candidacy last week and will run as an independent.
The court approved nine candidates in total. Some prominent political figures, including former President Alpha Condé and former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, did not qualify due to age and residency provisions set by the new constitutional framework.
Doumbouya will face several lesser-known contenders, among them Abdoulaye Yero Baldé, a former minister of higher education and former deputy governor of the central bank, and Faya Millimono, an opposition politician who has been vocal in his criticism of the current authorities.
Lansana Kouyaté, another former prime minister whose application was rejected, plans to appeal the decision, according to a statement from his party.
Guinea’s authorities had initially outlined a two-year transition before the return to national elections, following discussions with the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. That timeline was not met, but the upcoming December vote is intended to complete the transition back to an elected civilian government.