President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Re-Election Bid in Guinea-Bissau
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his bid for a second term in the postponed elections scheduled for November 30. His presidency has been marred by controversy, including claims from opposition groups about the expiration of his term and a history of political instability in the nation. Elections have faced delays, adding to ongoing tensions between the government and opposition.
On Monday, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his intention to run for re-election in the upcoming polls, which have been rescheduled to November due to various logistical and financial issues. “I will be a candidate, without a doubt, and I am going to win right from the first round,” Embalo stated to an AFP correspondent during his return from a state visit to Russia.
Embalo took office for a five-year term on February 27, 2020, after a contentious election. He now faces assertions from opposition parties claiming that his term concluded last Thursday. In response, opposition groups organized a strike, which was minimally effective due to the presence of security forces in Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony with a population of approximately two million, has experienced persistent political instability, witnessing numerous coups since its independence in 1974. In December 2023, President Embalo dissolved the opposition-led parliament following armed confrontations that he characterized as an attempted coup.
Initially, Embalo set the early legislative elections for November 2024; however, he subsequently postponed them indefinitely through a presidential decree. The elections are now affirmed to be held on November 30.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has declared his candidacy for re-election amidst claims from the opposition regarding the expiration of his term. The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau remains tumultuous, with a history of instability, leading to the postponement of legislative elections. As the country approaches the new election date, these developments are pivotal in shaping its future governance.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
