CONAKRY: Gen Mamdi Doumbouya, leader of Guinea's 2021 military coup, has won the country's presidential election with 86.72% of votes counted so far, officials announced late Tuesday. This was Guinea's first vote since the coup that ousted President Alpha Conde. Analysts expected Doumbouya's win due to a fractured opposition. Before the vote on Sunday, many had said the election aimed to confirm Doumbouya's stay in power. Critics say the junta leader crushed dissent and banned major opposition candidates, leaving no strong rivals among the nine candidates. More than 50 political parties were dissolved. Opposition members faced bans or exile. The closest contender, Yero Balde, a former education minister under Conde, scored just 6.51% of votes. Official figures show 80.95% of 6.7 million registered voters cast ballots. Originally, Doumbouya and fellow officers said they wouldn't run for president. However, a September referendum allowed military officers to contest and extended the presidential term from five to seven years. Guinea, rich in minerals, has about 15 million people with half living in poverty and facing food insecurity, per the World Food Program. The junta hopes to boost the economy with the Simandou iron ore project, 75% owned by Chinese firms. Production began last month after long delays. The project aims to create jobs and attract investment in areas like education and health. Guinea is among several West African countries hit by coups since 2020. Military leaders have used public anger over security, weak economies, or disputed polls to seize power. Since November, coups also took place in Guinea-Bissau and Benin.