General Mamady Doumbouya, the soldier who seized power in Guinea three years ago, took a formal step to become its civilian president. He submitted his candidacy for the December election, a vote meant to end military rule but which critics say is designed to keep him in power.

The general’s arrival at the Supreme Court was a show of force. He traveled in an armored vehicle, surrounded by special forces, while thousands of his supporters, bused into the capital, cheered outside. The scene highlighted his dual role as both a military leader and a political candidate.

This transition follows a controversial referendum. In September, Guineans voted overwhelmingly to adopt a new constitution. The government said this was for national renewal, but opponents called it a trick to allow Doumbouya to run for office after he had promised to return the country to civilian rule.

Since his coup, Doumbouya has ruled tightly. He has banned protests, arrested opposition leaders, and silenced media outlets. The election is happening under his terms, raising concerns about its fairness.

While other candidates also registered, they operate in a climate of fear. The election, intended to bring democracy, is being managed by the very junta that overthrew the last democratically elected government.

For many citizens, the vote presents a stark choice: accept the general as president or continue under outright military rule. The promise of a democratic future now rests in the hands of the man who ended it.