Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau, has reversed his earlier decision not to seek re-election, announcing his candidacy for a second term in upcoming November elections. This announcement comes amid political disputes regarding the end of his current term and postponed elections, which are now scheduled for November 30 due to technical delays. Embalo’s tenure has been marked by political unrest, with prior assassination attempts noted during his administration.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, has announced his intention to seek a second presidential term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November. This announcement represents a reversal of his previous commitment to resign, thus potentially heightening political tensions within the nation. Following his travels to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, he declared: “I will be a candidate in my own succession.”
The political scenario in Guinea-Bissau remains precarious, with Mr. Embalo at odds with opposition parties regarding the duration of his current term. Opposition leaders assert that his five-year mandate expired at the end of February, whereas the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled that it concludes on September 4. Additionally, concerns have arisen following Embalo’s decision to delay both presidential and legislative elections until November 30 due to stated technical and financial challenges.
Embalo, a former army general, has navigated through significant political instability since assuming office. He has indicated that there have been at least two assassination attempts during his presidency, with the most recent occurring in December 2023. Despite earlier suggestions of stepping aside, he revealed that his wife advised him against not running for re-election.
The electoral calendar has experienced disruptions, initially scheduled for 2024. Mr. Embalo has committed to engaging in discussions with political parties regarding the election and promising to issue a presidential decree thereafter, demonstrating his intent to maintain political control in the face of opposition dissent.
These developments occurred in the context where Guinea-Bissau has a historical backdrop of conflict and frequent coups since achieving independence from Portugal in 1974. Discussion and commentary can continue through various social media channels as the nation approaches this consequential political juncture.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s recent decision to run for a second term in Guinea-Bissau marks a significant shift from his previous promise to step down. His conflict with the opposition and the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding his term highlights the continuing political instability in the country. As elections approach, his stated intentions to collaborate with political parties may shape the electoral landscape significantly.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
