Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Declares Candidacy for Second Term

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for a second term in November, reversing his previous promise to step down. This decision has led to tensions regarding the timing of his current term and the postponed elections, which opposition claims have already expired. Amid political instability, he has indicated a commitment to consult political parties regarding the forthcoming electoral process.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his intention to seek a second term in the upcoming elections scheduled for November. This decision contradicts his previous commitments to step down, which could heighten tensions regarding the timeline of his current term and the postponed elections. Following a recent trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, Embalo stated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.”

The political situation in Guinea-Bissau has been tumultuous, with disagreements emerging between Embalo and the political opposition regarding the end of his current five-year term that commenced in 2020. The opposition claims that this term expired at the end of February, while the Supreme Court has determined that it concludes on September 4. Moreover, Embalo’s announcement that elections would not occur until November 30 has sparked further dissatisfaction among his opponents.

Originally slated for November 2024, legislative elections have been indefinitely postponed due to purported technical and financial constraints, which have disrupted the electoral timeline. “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree,” Embalo remarked, indicating a need for dialogue regarding the electoral process.

At 52 years of age, Embalo, a former army general, assumed the presidency amid ongoing political crises in a nation historically marked by coups since its independence from Portugal in 1974. During his presidency, he has claimed to face two attempts to depose him, with the latest occurring in December 2023.

Interestingly, last year, Embalo stated that his spouse had persuaded him against running for a second term, adding complexity to his recent decision. His shift in stance could significantly impact political dynamics as the nation approaches critical electoral dates.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to pursue a second term has raised concerns regarding electoral stability in Guinea-Bissau. His past commitments to relinquish power and the existing discord over the timing of elections highlight the ongoing political unrest in the country, reflecting a long tradition of political instability since its independence. The upcoming elections will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the future of governance in the nation.

Original Source: www.thestar.com.my