Tensions are high in capital Conakry as supporters of opposition candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo and incumbent President Alpha Conde each appeared to declare their candidate’s victory ahead of the official announcement.

Technical measurements from the observatory confirm major disruptions on leading cellular network operator Orange, with national connectivity registering at just 9% of ordinary levels. Meanwhile, MTN and Cellcom exhibit partial restrictions limiting access to major social media and communication platforms. Work is ongoing to classify these issues.

Elections in Guinea have been held under an increasingly restrictive media environment that include national internet restrictions. In March 2020, NetBlocks confirmed disruptions to internet connectivity on Guinea’s internet backbone. Following international expressions of concern, the measures were rolled back by GUILAB, the organization responsible for Guinea’s international link via the ACE subsea cable, but were nevertheless followed with partial restrictions as access was again restricted on polling day.

Authorities have not issued any public statement in relation to the restrictions, which are ongoing as of Friday evening...