President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his candidacy for a second term, reversing a previous commitment to step down. This announcement heightens existing tensions over the timing of elections and the duration of his current term, which is contested by opposition parties. Embalo’s administration has faced challenges in maintaining political stability amidst postponed elections, initially set for November 2024.
Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced his intention to seek a second term in the upcoming November elections, contradicting his previous commitment to step down. This decision has the potential to exacerbate existing tensions related to the uncertain end date of his current term and the delays surrounding the elections.
After returning from an international trip, President Embalo declared to reporters, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” His presidency has faced opposition regarding the interpretation of his term’s duration, which commenced in 2020. The opposition asserts that his term expired at the end of February, while the Supreme Court of Justice has confirmed it concludes on September 4.
Following the announcement of delayed elections, which are now slated for November 30, the opposition has expressed dissatisfaction. Initially, parliamentary elections were scheduled for November 2024, but they were postponed due to technical and financial challenges. Embalo stated, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree.”
At the age of 52, President Embalo, a former army general, has navigated a persistent political stalemate in Guinea-Bissau, a nation that has witnessed frequent coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. He has indicated that there have been two attempts on his life during his presidency, the most recent of which occurred in December 2023. Previously, Embalo noted that his wife had persuaded him not to pursue a second term.
In conclusion, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to run for a second term in November represents a significant shift from his earlier pledge to step down. This development raises questions about the political climate in Guinea-Bissau as tensions escalate regarding the electoral process and the legitimacy of his current term. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for the nation’s stability ahead of the planned elections.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
