Media guidelines spark outcry ahead of Guinea’s constitutional referendum campaign.

The campaign for Guinea’s constitutional referendum officially begins this weekend, but new media guidelines unveiled by the High Authority of Communication (HAC) have already sparked controversy.

CBI News reports that under the rules, audiovisual media must provide equal airtime for both supporters and opponents of the referendum.

However, only “recognized entities” without legal disputes with the state will be allowed access.

The Guinean Professional Press Union has pushed back against the restrictions.

HAC president Boubacar Yacine Diallo insisted that “no one is banned from media access,” but emphasized that journalists must avoid giving a platform to unrecognized groups or those in conflict with authorities.

Private media outlets are also barred from hosting interactive programs on the referendum, a measure widely condemned as limiting public debate.

“You cannot defend freedom of expression for all Guineans while simultaneously barring interactive discussions on campaign issues.

The referendum affects everyone,” said Sékou Jamal Pendessa of the press union.

The campaign period runs from August 31 to September 18, with the vote set for September 21 coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the 2021 military coup led by the CNRD.

The proposed constitution would extend presidential terms from five to seven years, capped at two terms.

However, a key clause limiting any individual to two presidential terms over their lifetime has been dropped.

It also introduces a Senate, with one-third of its members to be appointed directly by the head of state.

CBI News recalls that since the 2021 coup that ousted President Alpha Condé, Guinea has been governed by a transitional regime.

But concerns remain about the country’s democratic trajectory, especially after the dissolution of several political parties and repeated delays in holding elections.