President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has declared his candidacy for a second term in the November elections, contradicting his earlier promise to step down. His announcement ignites tensions regarding the conclusion of his current term and postponements of elections. While the Supreme Court has ruled his term ends in September, the opposition disputes this, leading to a complex political situation as elections are rescheduled for November 30.
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his intention to run for a second term in the upcoming November elections. This decision marks a reversal of his previous commitment to step down, sparking potential tensions regarding the conclusion of his current term and the delayed electoral process. Embalo made this declaration after returning from official visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary.
The political climate in Guinea-Bissau remains contentious, particularly between the president and the opposition regarding the end date of his five-year term. While the opposition contends that his term expired at the end of February, the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled that it concludes on September 4. Compounding these divisions are the postponed presidential and legislative elections, now set for November 30 of this year, originally slated for November 2024 due to various technical and financial challenges.
President Embalo stated, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree,” indicating his intention to consult with political factions prior to finalizing plans. As a former army general, Embalo has managed the considerable political upheaval in Guinea-Bissau, which has experienced multiple coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. He has previously reported two attempts on his life during his presidency, the last occurring in December 2023.
Historically, Embalo had expressed reluctance to seek reelection, citing influence from his spouse, who advised him against pursuing a second term. His recent reversal on this stance may complicate the political landscape further in an already volatile environment.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to compete for a second term represents a significant shift from his earlier pledge to vacate the presidency. This development, alongside disputes over the remaining duration of his current term and the scheduled elections, may heighten existing tensions among political factions in Guinea-Bissau. As the country grapples with its political instability, these elections will be crucial for its future governance.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
