Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Second Term Bid

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for a second term, contradicting previous statements about stepping down. The announcement raises concerns regarding the electoral timeline and tensions with opposition parties. Embalo has also declared a delay in upcoming presidential and legislative elections to November 30, amidst disputes about the duration of his current term. His presidency has faced challenges from coup attempts and political instability since assuming office.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, announced his intention to run for a second term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November. This decision marks a significant departure from his previous commitments to step down, raising concerns about electoral tensions and the timeline of his presidency. Following visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, Embalo stated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession” as he returned to Bissau.

Embalo’s relationship with the opposition has soured regarding the expiration of his current five-year term, which commenced in 2020. While the opposition contends that the term ended in February, the Supreme Court has determined it concludes on September 4. Additionally, there has been dissatisfaction among the populace after Embalo announced that presidential and legislative elections would not occur until November 30, a significant delay from their original schedule.

The initial parliamentary elections were slated for November 2024 but have been postponed indefinitely, citing various technical and financial challenges that have disrupted the electoral schedule. In response to these issues, Embalo commented, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree.”

At 52, the former army general has inherited a turbulent political landscape defined by frequent coups since Guinea-Bissau’s independence in 1974. Embalo indicated that there have been at least two attempts to oust him from power since he took office, with the most recent occurring in December 2023. Notable is that he had previously expressed reluctance to seek re-election, attributing his change of heart to the encouragement from his wife.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to pursue a second term is likely to intensify political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, particularly concerning electoral timelines and the legitimacy of his presidency. His announcement comes amidst a backdrop of postponed elections and ongoing disputes regarding the end of his term. The unfolding political scenario will require careful negotiation with opposing parties to ensure stability in the nation.

Original Source: www.usnews.com