Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo is running for a second term, going back on prior commitments to not seek re-election. His announcement raises concerns about political tensions, as disputes regarding the end of his term and postponed elections continue. Embalo’s presidency has faced challenges including coup attempts and delays in the electoral schedule.
On Monday, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced his candidacy for a second term scheduled for November. This decision contradicts his previous commitment to step down, raising potential tensions regarding the conclusion of his current term and the timing of elections.
President Embalo, returning from excursions in Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, stated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” The political opposition contests the end date of his five-year term, asserting that it expired at the end of February, while the Supreme Court has ruled that it concludes on September 4.
Additionally, frustrations have emerged from Embalo’s declaration that presidential and legislative elections will occur on November 30, 2023. Originally set for November 2024, these elections have been delayed indefinitely due to technical and financial issues, affecting the electoral schedule.
Embalo indicated, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree” regarding the election procedure. As a former army general, he has faced ongoing political instability since Guinea-Bissau’s independence from Portugal in 1974.
Throughout his presidency, Embalo has reported two coup attempts against him, the most recent occurring in December 2023. He previously mentioned that his wife had persuaded him not to seek a second term.
The decision of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo to seek re-election contradicts his earlier promises to step down, potentially deepening political tensions in Guinea-Bissau. The uncertainties surrounding the electoral calendar, conflicting interpretations of term limits, and delays in holding elections may severely impact the political landscape in the country.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
