Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Bid for Second Term
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau declared his candidacy for a second term, contradicting previous vows to step down. His announcement coexists with disputes over the end date of his current term and delays in scheduled elections. The notion of increased tensions in this coup-prone nation sets the stage for potentially volatile political dynamics in the coming months.
In a significant political shift, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau announced his intentions to seek a second term in the upcoming November elections. This comes as a departure from his previous commitments to step down, which could heighten existing tensions surrounding the timing of his current term and delayed elections. The president made these remarks upon his return from a trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, stating, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.”
The discourse between Embalo and the political opposition has been particularly contentious, especially regarding the official end of his five-year term that commenced in 2020. The opposition claims his term concluded in late February, but the Supreme Court of Justice has determined that it will finish on September 4. Compounding the situation, Embalo indicated that presidential and legislative elections have now been postponed to November 30, from their earlier scheduled date in 2024, citing various obstacles as the reason for such delays.
Embalo expressed intentions to confer with political parties prior to issuing any presidential decree about the elections, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in upcoming consultations. As a former army general, he assumed power amid a backdrop of political instability, as Guinea-Bissau has experienced frequent coups and unrest following independence from Portugal in 1974. Since assuming office, Embalo claims there have been two attempts to oust him, the most recent occurring in December 2023.
Interestingly, last year he mentioned that his wife had advised against seeking a second term, a testament to his earlier commitments. The unfolding situation is likely to be closely monitored, given the historical volatility of the region and the implications of Embalo’s decision on both political stability and electoral fairness.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to vie for a second term raises significant questions regarding the political climate in Guinea-Bissau. His previous intentions to step down now seem forgotten amidst ongoing disputes with the opposition and postponed electoral processes. With a history rife with political upheaval and Embalo’s own admission of coup attempts, the ramifications of his candidacy could further complicate an already tense situation.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
