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

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for a second term in elections now scheduled for November 30, 2024, after being postponed due to logistical and financial challenges. Despite opposition claims regarding the expiration of his term, Embalo remains resolute in his campaign strategy following a tumultuous political climate that includes dissolving parliament due to unrest.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, announced his intention to seek re-election during elections that have been rescheduled for November due to logistical and financial difficulties. In a statement made to an AFP correspondent upon his return from Russia, President Embalo confidently asserted, “I will be a candidate, without a doubt, and I am going to win right from the first round.”

Since taking office on February 27, 2020, following a contentious election, Embalo has faced criticism from the opposition, who argue that his term concluded on the preceding Thursday. This led to a strike organized by these opposing factions; however, the influence of the strike was mitigated by the deployment of security forces throughout Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau, which became independent in 1974, has experienced persistent political turmoil marked by coups and instability. In December 2023, President Embalo dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament following violent confrontations, labeling them an attempted coup. He initially announced early legislative elections for November 2024, which were subsequently postponed indefinitely by presidential decree. The elections are now scheduled for November 30, 2024.

In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has formally declared his candidacy for re-election amid a politically tense environment marked by opposition challenges and recent unrest. The upcoming elections, now set for November 30, represent a critical moment for Guinea-Bissau, a nation that continues to grapple with instability since its independence. Embalo’s confidence in his victory underscores his intent to assert his leadership amidst ongoing disputes.

Original Source: newscentral.africa