President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced plans to run for a second term in the November elections, contradicting past statements about stepping down. Disputes have arisen with the opposition regarding the end of his current term and the scheduling of elections, which were previously postponed due to financial issues. Embalo has cited personal pressures, including advice from his wife, regarding this decision.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has announced his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming November elections, deviating from his earlier intentions to relinquish the position. This decision follows his overseas trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, during which he stated, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.” Embalo is currently at odds with the opposition regarding the expiration date of his current term, which commenced in 2020.
Discontent has arisen among opposition members, who argue that his current five-year term officially concludes at the end of February, while the Supreme Court of Justice asserts it will last until September 4. Compounding this conflict is Embalo’s announcement that presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for November 30, 2024, despite previous plans for parliamentary polls to take place earlier. Technical and financial hurdles have delayed the elections, further complicating the political landscape in Guinea-Bissau.
President Embalo, a former army general, has faced considerable political instability within Guinea-Bissau, a nation historically plagued by coups and unrest since it gained independence in 1974. He noted that there have been two coup attempts against his presidency, the most recent occurring in December 2023. He mentioned that his wife had previously discouraged him from pursuing a second term, adding personal dimensions to his political decisions.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s decision to seek re-election marks a significant shift from his previous commitments to step down. His relationship with the political opposition remains strained over the interpretation of his current term’s duration and the postponed electoral timeline. These developments illustrate the ongoing political challenges in Guinea-Bissau, a country with a history of instability.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
