Guinea-Bissau President Embalo Announces Candidacy for Second Term

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has decided to run for a second term in November, contradicting his earlier commitment to step down. His current term has sparked disputes over its expiration, with the Supreme Court ruling it ends in 2025. Electoral frustrations are prominent, as elections have been postponed until November 30, 2023. Embalo, a former general, faces ongoing political turbulence and previous assassination attempts during his presidency.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, has announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming November elections, reversing his previous commitment to step down. This declaration was made following his return from a trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, where he expressed, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” This decision raises significant concerns regarding the timing of his current term expiration and the scheduling of elections that were meant to occur earlier.

Ambiguity persists regarding the conclusion of Embalo’s current five-year term, which commenced in 2020. The political opposition claims that his term ended in February, while the Supreme Court of Justice maintains that it will not conclude until September 4, 2025. Furthermore, there is considerable public discontent regarding the postponed presidential and legislative elections, now set for November 30, 2023, after having been delayed due to financial and technical issues.

President Embalo, a former army general, inherited a politically unstable environment marked by frequent coups since Guinea-Bissau’s independence in 1974. He has cited two attempts on his life during his tenure, the most recent occurrence being in December 2023. Although he had previously stated that he would not pursue re-election, he was retrained by his wife, who advised against this choice.

In light of the upcoming elections, Embalo has committed to engaging with political parties prior to issuing a presidential decree concerning the electoral process. His leadership is characterized by ongoing tensions with opposition factions and challenges in stabilizing the nation politically and economically, with significant scrutiny regarding his recent decisions.

In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to seek re-election marks a significant shift from his earlier promise to relinquish power. The current political climate remains fraught with tensions over the term limits and the scheduling of elections, raising concerns among opposition parties and the populace. As he prepares for the elections, the political landscape in Guinea-Bissau continues to evolve amidst challenges and unrest.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke