President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau declared his candidacy for a second term, contradicting earlier promises to step down. Political tensions rise concerning the duration of his current term and postponed elections, prompting public dissatisfaction. Despite past assassination attempts and political instability, Embalo plans to consult with political parties before issuing an electoral decree.
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced that he will seek a second term in the upcoming November elections, contrary to his previous commitments to step down. Following a recent trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, Embalo reiterated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession,” igniting concerns regarding the timing of his current term and postponed elections.
Currently, Embalo faces disputes with political opposition regarding the end date of his five-year term, which began in 2020. The opposition contends that his term expired at the end of February, while the Supreme Court ruled it concludes on September 4, 2025. This divergence has heightened political tensions amid a backdrop of allegations regarding electoral postponements.
The president announced that legislative and presidential elections, originally planned for 2024, have been rescheduled for November 30, citing technical and financial issues. This has generated public dissatisfaction, as the electoral calendar faces significant disruptions. In response, Embalo stated, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree.”
Embalo, age 52, is a former army general and has been grappling with ongoing political instability in Guinea-Bissau, a nation historically plagued by coups since its independence from Portugal in 1974. He noted that his presidency has been marked by two assassination attempts, the most recent occurring in December 2023. Last year, he revealed that his decision not to run for a second term was influenced by his wife’s counsel.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has reversed his previous vow to step down by declaring his candidacy for a second term as elections approach in November. Political opposition and confusion over the end of his term add complexity to an already turbulent political landscape in Guinea-Bissau, compounded by ongoing unrest and growing public dissatisfaction regarding the electoral process. Embalo’s presidency remains under scrutiny as he attempts to navigate through these political challenges.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
