Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Seeks Second Term Amidst Political Tensions
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau seeks re-election in November despite opposition claims questioning his legitimacy. His earlier dissolution of parliament and recent political turbulence, including attempts on his life, mark a complex backdrop to this election. The opposition threatens protests and struggles to gain recognition, as the situation remains fraught with potential instability.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, has declared his intention to seek a second presidential term in the elections scheduled for November. This announcement comes amidst claims from opposition leaders who assert that Embalo is not the legitimate president of the country. Recently, a delegation from ECOWAS departed following threats of deportation, further complicating the political landscape.
Embalo, who disbanded the opposition-led parliament in late 2023, made this statement post his international visits to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary. Under Guinea-Bissau’s constitution, a president may serve one renewable five-year term, which puts Embalo’s second candidacy within legal parameters. However, the opposition contends that his initial term has already concluded.
This move towards a second term could heighten political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, a nation that has faced significant instability and multiple coups since gaining independence over 50 years ago. Embalo was elected on November 24, 2019, and inaugurated on February 27, 2020; however, opposition challenges regarding the election validity delayed formal acceptance of his victory until September 4, 2020.
The opposition claims that Embalo’s term expired on February 27 of the current year, yet the Supreme Court ruled it should extend until September 4. He has announced plans for elections on November 30 while asserting his intent to remain president until then, although the opposition has refused to recognize his presidency.
Opposition leaders have indicated they may engage in mass protests and strikes, pending the impact of the ECOWAS mission. Amidst this backdrop, Embalo has stated that he has survived two coups during his tenure, the latest occurring in December 2023, which resulted in violent confrontations between security forces.
In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo is poised to contest for a second term in November, amidst significant political upheaval and challenges to his legitimacy. The opposition’s claims regarding the end of his first term and plans for large-scale protests underscore the volatility of Guinea-Bissau’s political climate. The situation is further complicated by the role of ECOWAS as it navigates tensions and the potential for resolving political discord.
Original Source: www.tvcnews.tv
