Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Second Term Candidacy

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau declared his intention to run for a second term in November, reversing his commitment to step down. This move has ignited political tensions surrounding the end of his current term and postponed elections. The opposition and Embalo’s own administration disagree over term dates, contributing to an unstable political climate.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, announced his candidacy for re-election in November, reversing his previous promise to step down. This decision raises concerns regarding the timeline of his current presidency and the delay in scheduled elections. Following his recent diplomatic visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, Embalo stated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.”

The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau has been contentious, particularly regarding the end date of Embalo’s current five-year term, which began in 2020. The opposition contends that his term should have concluded in late February, while the Supreme Court of Justice has ruled that it will end on September 4. Additionally, there is widespread dissatisfaction concerning the postponement of both presidential and legislative elections, now slated for November 30, due to alleged technical and financial challenges.

Embalo, a former army general aged 52, succeeded a long-standing political deadlock in a nation consistently affected by coups and instability since gaining independence in 1974. He alleged that two coup attempts occurred during his tenure, the most recent being in December 2023. Notably, last year, he revealed that his wife convinced him against pursuing a second term until now.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term, despite previous intentions to step down, highlights ongoing political tensions in Guinea-Bissau. Disputes regarding the duration of his current term and delays in the electoral schedule further complicate an already fraught political situation. With elections postponed and the opposition challenging his legitimacy, Embalo’s presidency remains precarious.

Original Source: www.thestar.com.my