Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Announces Second Term Candidacy
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau, has declared his candidacy for a second term, contrary to earlier vows to step down. This announcement has ignited debates over the conclusion of his current term and the postponement of elections, which are now set for November 30, 2023, after being delayed due to various issues.
On Monday, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced his intention to seek a second term in the upcoming November elections, reversing his previous commitment to step down. This decision raises concerns regarding the timing of his current term, which commenced in 2020, amid disputes over its actual conclusion.
The political opposition asserts that his five-year term expired in February, while the Supreme Court decreed its termination on September 4. Additionally, tensions have intensified following Embalo’s pronouncement that the presidential and legislative elections would be postponed until November 30, 2023.
Originally scheduled for November 2024, these elections were delayed indefinitely due to technical and financial challenges, thus complicating the electoral timeline. President Embalo stated, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree.”
A former army general aged 52, Embalo has encountered significant political challenges in Guinea-Bissau, a nation historically marred by coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. He has mentioned that there have been two attempted coups against his presidency, the most recent occurring in December 2023, and noted that his wife had previously influenced his decision not to seek re-election last year.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to run for a second term has sparked renewed political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, particularly with opposition claims regarding the end of his current term. His commitment to engage with political parties before issuing a presidential decree indicates a need for dialogue amidst a complicated electoral landscape, which has faced significant delays.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
