Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed his candidacy for reelection despite earlier intentions to step down. This announcement complicates discussions around his term’s end and the postponed elections originally scheduled for 2024. Tensions with opposition parties are rising as he plans to consult them before issuing a decree on the elections.
BISSAU (Reuters) – President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming November elections, reversing his previous commitment to step down. This decision raises questions regarding the timing of his current term’s conclusion amidst postponed elections.
Following a diplomatic trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, Embalo stated at the airport, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” Disputes have arisen over the duration of his current term, as the opposition argues that it ended in February, while the Supreme Court maintains it concludes on September 4.
Embalo’s announcement comes alongside dissatisfaction about the shift of both presidential and legislative elections to November 30, delayed due to alleged technical and financial issues, thus complicating the electoral timeline. Originally planned for November 2024, the parliamentary elections have faced indefinite postponements.
At a press briefing, Embalo indicated, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree.” As a former army general, he navigates a country marked by turmoil since its independence in 1974, which has seen multiple coups and conflicts.
The president reported experiencing two coup attempts during his administration, with the latest occurring in December 2023. Interestingly, he had previously stated that his wife had advised against his pursuit of a second term.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to run for a second term in Guinea-Bissau contradicts his earlier promise to step down. This move has intensified the debate over the duration of his current term and the controversial delays in scheduling elections. With political tensions prevalent, the outcome of the upcoming elections remains uncertain as Embalo seeks to engage political parties before finalizing his plans.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
