Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Bid for Second Term
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau, announced his candidacy for a second term, reversing a previous promise to step down. This announcement raised concerns about political tensions regarding his term’s expiration and delayed elections. His government faces opposition regarding the term end date and electoral schedule.
Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced on Monday that he would seek a second term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November 30, reversing his earlier commitment to step down. This decision raises concerns about potential political tensions regarding the expiration of his current term and the postponed elections.
Embalo, following a trip abroad, confirmed his candidacy at the airport, stating, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” His announcement comes amid disagreements between his government and political opponents over the conclusion of his five-year term, which began in 2020. The opposition claims it ended in February, while the Supreme Court asserts it will conclude on September 4.
The planned presidential and legislative elections were originally slated for 2024 but have been delayed until late November due to various challenges. During his remarks, Embalo expressed his intention to confer with political parties before releasing an official presidential decree regarding the elections.
At 52, Embalo, a former army general, took over a country plagued by a history of coups and political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. He noted experiencing attempts on his life during his governance, with the recent attempt occurring in December 2023. Although he previously claimed his wife advised him against seeking a second term, he has now opted to run again.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term marks a significant departure from his prior commitment to step down. The situation illustrates ongoing political instability in Guinea-Bissau, with disputes surrounding the interpretation of his term’s end date and delays to the electoral process. His candidacy could potentially exacerbate tensions among political factions in the coup-prone nation.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
