Guinea-Bissau’s President Embalo Announces Re-Election Bid Amid Controversies

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his candidacy for re-election in elections rescheduled for November due to logistical concerns. Contesting his term’s legitimacy, the opposition has sparked protests, but these faced restriction from security forces. The country continues to navigate its political instability, marked by a history of coups since its independence.

On Monday, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his intention to run for re-election in upcoming elections, which have been rescheduled for November due to issues related to logistics and financing. Upon returning from an official visit to Russia, he expressed confidence in his candidacy, stating, “I will be a candidate, without a doubt, and I am going to win right from the first round.”

Embalo began his five-year term after being sworn in on February 27, 2020, following a controversial election. His term’s legitimacy has been challenged by opposition leaders, who assert that it expired last Thursday. This controversy incited strikes organized by opposition groups, although the influence of these protests has been limited due to a strong security presence in the capital, Bissau.

Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced ongoing political turbulence, including several coups. In December 2023, President Embalo took the drastic step of dissolving parliament, which was under opposition control, following violent confrontations he characterized as an attempted coup. Initially, he had announced plans for early legislative elections in November 2024, but these were postponed indefinitely through a presidential decree. The new date for elections is set for November 30.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo is pursuing re-election amid significant political challenges in Guinea-Bissau. His previous term has faced opposition and allegations regarding its legitimacy, complicating the political landscape as the country prepares for elections postponed to November. The situation reflects Guinea-Bissau’s historical struggles with political stability and governance.

Original Source: newscentral.africa