Umaro Embalo Announces Candidacy for Second Term in Guinea-Bissau

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau declared his intent to run for a second term, contradicting prior assurances to resign. His term’s validity is disputed, with the opposition asserting it ended in February, while the Supreme Court confirmed it lasts until September 4. The presidential and legislative elections have also been postponed to November 30, prompting criticism from various political factions.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, has announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming November elections, reversing his earlier commitment to step down. Following a diplomatic trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, President Embalo confirmed, “I will be a candidate in my own succession,” indicating a potential escalation in tensions with the political opposition.

There exists a significant disagreement regarding the duration of his current five-year term, which commenced in 2020. While opposition factions assert that his presidency ended in February, the nation’s Supreme Court ruled that his term extends until September 4. This discord has led to dissatisfaction as he recently postponed presidential and legislative elections to November 30, citing technical and financial hurdles as reasons for the delay.

President Embalo plans to engage with political parties regarding upcoming elections before issuing a presidential decree. At 52, this former army general has faced significant political turmoil, including two reported attempts to oust him since he took office. He shared that his spouse advised against his seeking another term, which adds a personal dimension to his candidacy decision.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his intention to seek a second term, contradicting previous pledges to resign. The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau remains contentious, with opposing views on the timing of his current term’s conclusion and the scheduling of elections. Dialogues between the president and political entities are imminent, highlighting the complexities of governance in a country marked by political instability.

Original Source: gazettengr.com