Guinea-Bissau President Embaló to Run as Independent in Upcoming Elections
Umaro Sissoco Embaló, the President of Guinea-Bissau, announced his decision to run as an independent candidate in the forthcoming presidential and legislative elections set for November 23. This announcement comes amid ongoing political instability that has beleaguered the nation for years, reports 24brussels.
“I will not be anyone’s hostage, but the President of the Republic. However, all political parties and associations that want to support me are welcome,” Embaló stated, confirming his bid for a second term as head of state, according to local media.
The announcement was made during a swearing-in ceremony for the new Prime Minister, Braima Camara, marking a notable transition within Embaló’s administration as Camara becomes the third head of government since Embaló assumed the presidency in 2020. Notably, Embaló will not be campaigning under his party, the Movement for Democratic Alternation (MADEM-G15).
In March, Embaló declared the general elections for both presidential and legislative positions to occur on November 23, following significant tensions regarding the electoral timeline. Initially scheduled for November 24, 2024, early legislative elections were postponed by the president earlier this month, citing insufficient technical conditions—an explanation met with criticism from opposition members.
This electoral turmoil stems from a crisis initiated in December 2023, when members of the National Guard besieged a police station in an incident denounced as an attempted coup. Subsequently, Embaló dissolved the National People’s Assembly (ANP) and established a new government. The announcement of presidential elections has also intensified discord, as opposition factions argue that Embaló’s term, which they claim began at the last election, should conclude on February 27, 2025. However, the Supreme Court has upheld the president’s position, asserting that his term will end in September 2024.
