Guinea-Bissau President Embalo Announces Candidacy for Second Term

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo reversed his pledge to step down and declared his candidacy for a second term in November. This announcement ignited tensions regarding the end of his current term amidst disputes over election scheduling. President Embalo plans to consult with political parties before a presidential decree on upcoming elections.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau, announced his candidacy for a second term in office, a reversal of his previous commitment to step down. This declaration came after his return from a diplomatic trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary. “I will be a candidate in my own succession,” he stated, stirring potential unrest regarding the end of his current term and the timing of upcoming elections.

The political climate in Guinea-Bissau remains contentious, as Embalo’s term is debated between claims of opposition parties arguing it ended in February and a ruling from the Supreme Court specifying an end date of September 4, 2025. Furthermore, there is dissatisfaction regarding the rescheduling of presidential and legislative elections to November 30, 2023, which were originally set for November 2024 but postponed due to technical and financial issues.

In light of these developments, President Embalo indicated his intention to consult with political parties before issuing a presidential decree related to the elections. The political landscape remains fraught with tension, largely due to the history of coups and political instability that Guinea-Bissau has experienced since its independence in 1974. The President cited attempts to overthrow him during his presidency, the most recent occurring in December 2023.

In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to run for a second term following his commitment to step down may lead to increased political tension in Guinea-Bissau. With disputes surrounding the end of his current term and delays in electoral processes, the situation remains precarious. Embalo’s approach of engaging with political parties before elections reflects a cautious attempt to navigate the fraught political landscape of the nation.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke