Embalo Announces Candidacy for Second Term in Guinea-Bissau

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his candidacy for a second term in November, contradicting his earlier vow to step down. This has raised tensions regarding the end of his current term and delayed elections. The opposition claims his term has expired, while a Supreme Court ruling states it lasts until September 2025. Elections are now postponed to November 30, 2023, adding to the political uncertainty in the nation.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his candidacy for a second term set for November, a reversal of his prior commitments to step down. This declaration occurred following his trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, where he stated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” His decision may exacerbate existing tensions regarding the timeline of his current term and the execution of postponed elections.

The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau has been tumultuous, with the opposition contesting the conclusion of Embalo’s five-year term that started in 2020. The opposition argues that his term ended in February, while the Supreme Court of Justice has maintained it will conclude on September 4, 2025. Frustrations have surfaced due to Embalo’s announcement that both presidential and legislative elections are postponed until November 30, 2023, despite previous scheduling for November 2024.

Embalo plans to engage with political parties prior to the upcoming elections and intends to formalize these discussions with a presidential decree. The lack of clarity regarding the electoral calendar follows a history of political instability in Guinea-Bissau, where the president, a former army general aged 52, has faced two attempted coups during his tenure, the last occurring in December 2023.

In previous statements, Embalo mentioned that his wife had influenced him against seeking re-election. His recent decision underscores ongoing uncertainties in a nation that has endured political unrest since its independence from Portugal in 1974, highlighting the need for stability in the coming months.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to seek a second term raises significant concerns regarding Guinea-Bissau’s political stability. His previous commitment to step down is challenged by his announcement ahead of elections that have already faced delays. The divergent opinions on the end of his current term further complicate the situation, necessitating dialogue between political parties to navigate the upcoming electoral landscape.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke