Guinea’s junta leader Gen Mamdi Doumbouya was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election held over the weekend, according to partial results released late Tuesday, marking the first vote since the 2021 military takeover.

The General Directorate of Elections said Doumbouya secured 86.72 percent of the votes counted so far. Analysts had widely expected his victory, citing a weakened opposition ahead of Sunday’s poll.

The election was seen as an effort to legitimize Doumbouya’s continued rule and conclude a transition process launched after he ousted President Alpha Condé four years ago. Critics say the junta leader has suppressed dissent and opposition, leaving him without serious challengers among the eight other candidates.

More than 50 political parties were dissolved, while prominent opposition figures were either barred from contesting on technical grounds or were living in exile following the crackdown.

Yéro Baldé, a former education minister under Condé, finished a distant second with 6.51 percent of the vote. Election officials said turnout stood at 80.95 percent among Guinea’s 6.7 million registered voters.

After taking power, Doumbouya had pledged that he and other military officers would not contest elections. However, a referendum held in September paved the way for officers to run and extended the presidential term from five to seven years.

Despite its rich mineral resources, Guinea remains deeply affected by poverty and food insecurity, with about half of its 15 million people facing hardship, according to the World Food Program.

The junta has placed strong emphasis on the Simandou iron ore project, a major mining venture largely backed by Chinese investment. Production began last month after years of delays, with authorities hoping it will generate jobs and spur wider economic growth.

Guinea is among several West African nations to experience coups or attempted coups since 2020, amid public frustration over insecurity, weak economies and disputed elections.