Guinea votes in referendum for return to civilian rule

Interim leader Mamady Doumbouya has not said whether he will stand for election after the referendum on a new constitution. Guinea holds a long-awaited referendum on Sunday on a new constitution, widely seen as a step towards elections and the return to civilian rule. Voting centres are scheduled to close at 6 p.m (1800 GMT) after opening at 7 a.m. (0700 GMT). It is unclear when the final results will be announced. The new constitution would lengthen the presidential term from five years to seven, renewable once, and create a Senate, with one-third of senators directly appointed by the president. In the final days of campaigning, the capital Conakry was dotted with small white posters featuring the word "Yes" next to a green checkmark. Guinea, which is home to the world's largest reserves of bauxite, is expected to hold its presidential election in December after the government missed a 2024 deadline. Third-best economy