Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has announced his candidacy for a second term, reversing previous vows to step down. This decision has sparked political tensions over the expiration of his current term and the postponement of elections, now scheduled for November 30 after delays. Embalo aims to consult political parties before issuing a decree about the elections.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, announced on Monday that he will seek re-election in November, contradicting his previous commitment to resign. This decision has raised concerns regarding the potential for increased political tension over the timing of his current term, which the opposition claims expired at the end of February, while the Supreme Court asserted that it concludes on September 4.
After a diplomatic trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, President Embalo declared, “I will be a candidate in my own succession”. His announcement follows discontent regarding the postponement of presidential and legislative elections, now scheduled for November 30, which were initially set for November 2024 but delayed indefinitely due to technical and financial challenges.
Embalo emphasized his intention to engage with political parties before issuing a presidential decree concerning the elections, stating, “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, Embalo faces a political climate marked by coups and instability, having survived two alleged assassination attempts during his presidency.
He had previously indicated that his wife had persuaded him against pursuing a second term, further complicating the political landscape in Guinea-Bissau. The country has a complex history of political strife since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, heightening scrutiny on Embalo’s leadership and electoral practices.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to run for a second term contradicts his earlier plans to step down, raising concerns over electoral timing and political stability in Guinea-Bissau. His recent comments indicate a desire to engage with opposition parties as he navigates potential tensions surrounding the upcoming elections.
Original Source: www.marketscreener.com
