Guinea-Bissau’s President Embalo Reveals Intentions for Re-Election Bid
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has declared his candidacy for re-election on November 30, after logistical delays prompted a rescheduling. Facing claims from the opposition that his term expired, he confronts political instability amidst protests. The political climate has been tumultuous, with Embalo’s actions drawing criticism following his dissolution of parliament in December.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, announced his intention to pursue a second term in the forthcoming elections, which have been rescheduled for November 30, 2023, due to complications concerning logistics and finances. Upon returning from an official visit to Russia, he expressed confidence in his candidacy, asserting, “I will be a candidate, without a doubt, and I am going to win right from the first round.”
Embalo initially began his five-year term on February 27, 2020, following a contentious election. As he prepares for this upcoming election, he confronts opposition claims arguing that his term lapsed last Thursday. This assertion has prompted active strikes organized by opposition groups, although those efforts faced significant limitations due to police presence in Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau has historically been plagued by political turbulence, marked by several coups since gaining independence in 1974 from Portuguese rule. In December 2023, in a move that has been criticized, Embalo disbanded the opposition-controlled parliament following violent confrontations, which he categorized as an attempted coup. He originally planned to hold early legislative elections in November 2024 but later postponed them indefinitely through a presidential decree.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo aims to secure a second term in Guinea-Bissau amid political turmoil and opposition challenges to his tenure. With the elections now set for November 30, he faces a difficult battle in a historically unstable political landscape. The postponement of earlier legislative elections further complicates the political situation in the country, raising questions about future governance.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
