President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Seeks Re-Election in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed his candidacy for re-election, with upcoming elections postponed to November due to logistical issues. He asserts confidence in winning amidst opposition claims regarding his term expiry and recent political unrest, including the dissolution of parliament and postponed legislative elections.

On Monday, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced his intention to pursue re-election in the upcoming elections, which have been delayed to November due to financial and logistical hurdles. He expressed his confidence in winning, stating, “I will be a candidate, without a doubt, and I am going to win right from the first round.” This declaration follows his state visit to Russia.

President Embalo, who began his five-year term on February 27, 2020, amid a controversial election, is currently facing opposition claims regarding the expiration of his term last Thursday. These allegations incited a strike by opposition groups, but the presence of security forces in the capital, Bissau, attenuated the strike’s effects.

Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony home to approximately two million residents, has experienced significant political turmoil, including numerous coups since gaining independence in 1974. In December 2023, President Embalo dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament following armed clashes, which he categorized as an attempted coup.

Originally, early legislative elections were slated for November 2024. However, the president subsequently postponed them indefinitely via a presidential decree. The elections are now set to occur on November 30, 2024.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to seek re-election amidst political instability reflects the complex dynamics in Guinea-Bissau. His confidence in winning contrasts with the ongoing challenges he faces from opposition groups and the populace amid logistical delays in the electoral process. As the elections approach, the situation remains tense and uncertain.

Original Source: newscentral.africa