Guinea-Bissau’s President Embalo Announces Re-Election Bid Amid Political Turmoil

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, declared his candidacy for re-election, set for November 30, after postponements due to challenges. His term began amid controversy, and he faces opposition claims regarding its expiration. While opposition protests occurred, security forces limited their impact, and political issues remain pronounced in the country, including recent actions to dissolve the parliament.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, announced his intention to seek re-election in upcoming elections, now rescheduled for November due to logistical and financial issues. Upon returning from a state visit to Russia, President Embalo confidently stated, “I will be a candidate, without a doubt, and I am going to win right from the first round.” His current term, which began on February 27, 2020, arose from a contentious election process, and he is facing opposition claims regarding the expiration of his term as of last Thursday.
Opposition factions initiated a strike in response to these claims, although the deployment of security forces in the capital, Bissau, mitigated the strike’s effects. Guinea-Bissau, a nation with a rich history as a former Portuguese colony, has been plagued by political instability, including numerous coups since gaining independence in 1974.
In December 2023, President Embalo took the controversial step of dissolving the parliament, which was controlled by opposition parties, following armed clashes he characterized as a coup attempt. Initially, he had arranged for early legislative elections to occur in November 2024; however, these elections have since been postponed indefinitely via presidential decree. The new date for the elections is now scheduled for November 30.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s declaration to run for re-election amid political turmoil underscores the ongoing instability in Guinea-Bissau. His response to opposition claims and the dissolution of the parliament highlight a contentious political landscape. With the electoral calendar now set for November 30, the nation observes significant developments in its government and electoral process.

Original Source: newscentral.africa