President Umaro Sissoco Embalo to Seek Re-election in Guinea-Bissau

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his candidacy for a second term, reverting from earlier promises to step down. This decision has sparked conflict over the end date of his current term, with opposition parties claiming it has already expired. Additionally, the president has postponed elections to November, despite previous dates. As tensions mount, Embalo emphasized the importance of engaging with political parties before the elections.

In a surprising turn of events, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced on Monday his intention to run for a second term in the forthcoming elections in November. This declaration contradicts his previous commitment to relinquish power, suggesting potential turmoil regarding the timing of his current term’s end and the postponed electoral process. Embalo made this statement following a diplomatic trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, asserting, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.”

The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau remains fraught with tension, particularly regarding the duration of Embalo’s current five-year term that commenced in 2020. The political opposition contends that this term expired at the end of February, while the Supreme Court of Justice has determined that it concludes on September 4. Additionally, dissatisfaction has emerged since Embalo proclaimed that both presidential and legislative elections would not occur until November 30 this year, despite initially being scheduled for November 2024.

Embalo emphasized the need for collaboration with political parties prior to finalizing the electoral framework, as he stated, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree.” As a former army general, Embalo has navigated a persistent political impasse, characterized by coups and instability since Guinea-Bissau’s independence from Portugal in 1974. He claimed there were two attempts to oust him from power during his presidency, the most recent being in December 2023.

Interestingly, Embalo noted last year that his wife persuaded him against running for a second term, showcasing the complexities of his leadership role in an environment marked by historical challenges and scrutiny.

In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s recent announcement of his candidacy for a second term signifies a departure from earlier commitments to step down, raising concerns over the implications for the political stability in Guinea-Bissau. The divergent interpretations of his term’s timeline, alongside postponed elections, contribute to a tense political atmosphere. As the November elections approach, collaboration with political factions will be crucial in establishing a coherent electoral agenda.

Original Source: www.usnews.com