Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Re-election Bid
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo plans to seek a second term in November, reversing his prior commitment to step down. This decision has raised tensions regarding his term’s end and postponed elections. The political landscape remains complicated by opposition claims and delays in legislative polls, originally set for 2024.
In a significant political shift, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced his decision to run for re-election in November, contradicting earlier promises to step down. Following his recent trips to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, Embalo publicly stated that he would pursue a second term, highlighting the ongoing political discord within the country regarding the duration of his current term.
His presidency has been marked by contention with political opponents, who assert that his five-year term, initiated in 2020, ended in February. However, the Supreme Court has determined that his term will conclude on September 4, prompting further disputes over the electoral timeline. Delays in conducting presidential and legislative elections, now projected for November 30, have added to the existing tensions.
Originally planned for November 2024, legislative polls were delayed indefinitely due to perceived technical and financial hurdles, complicating the political calendar. In a recent statement, Embalo said, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree.”
A former army general, Embalo became president amid ongoing turbulence in Guinea-Bissau, which has a history of coups since its independence in 1974. He disclosed that there have been attempts to overthrow his government, including one in December 2023. Notably, last year, Embalo mentioned that his wife had advised him against seeking a second term.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term has stirred political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, especially with opposition claims about the duration of his presidency. The postponed elections and ongoing turmoil highlight the ongoing political challenges in the nation.
Original Source: www.marketscreener.com
