President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has declared his intention to run for a second term in November, contradicting his earlier vow to step down. This announcement follows a diplomatic trip and has heightened tensions regarding the interpretation of his current term’s end date, with his party postponing elections originally set for 2024 until late November 2023.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, has announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming November elections, which marks a reversal of his previous commitment to step down. After a diplomatic trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, he declared, “I will be a candidate in my own succession” at the airport. This announcement raises concerns regarding the timing of his current term’s expiration and the scheduling of postponed elections.

Embalo’s relationship with the political opposition has been strained over the duration of his current five-year term that began in 2020. The opposition contends that his term should have ended in February, while a ruling by the Supreme Court states that it will conclude on September 4, 2025. The anticipated presidential and legislative elections, initially scheduled for November 2024, have now been delayed until November 30 this year due to alleged technical and financial challenges.

In summary, President Embalo’s decision to seek re-election has prompted discussions about the legitimacy and timing of his current term amidst political tensions and delayed elections. His earlier pledge for a limited tenure now contrasts sharply with his recent declarations, indicating the complexity of Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape following past coup attempts. His leadership continues to face scrutiny as the nation grapples with electoral uncertainties.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke