This means that the military leader who seized power by force could continue to rule the country for another five years.

Doumbouya had pledged not to run when he took power in the West African country in 2021. However, a new constitution approved through a referendum in September has given him the opportunity to run.

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The new constitution replaced the transitional arrangements established after the coup, which had barred former military figures from contesting in elections to lead the country.

It also stipulates that presidential candidates must reside in Guinea and be between the ages of 40 and 80.

This automatically disqualified two strong contenders  former President Alpha Condé, 87, who lives abroad, and former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, who is in exile and faces corruption charges.

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Other candidates, including former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté and former Foreign Minister Hadja Makalé Camara, have also submitted their candidacies and been approved to run.

Guinea is one of the world’s largest holders of bauxite reserves and also has vast untapped iron ore deposits located in Simandou.