Polls opened on Sunday in Guinea-Bissau for presidential and legislative elections. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo is seeking to be the first leader in thirty years to win a second consecutive term. He faces 11 opponents, including emerging candidate Fernando Dias, who is backed by the historical African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde. This party was unable to field its candidates due to late paperwork.
Analysts predict a close election, and a runoff will occur if no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes. Embalo, dressed in his usual red keffiyeh, voted in Gabu and called for strong voter participation to select a leader for stability and progress. Guinea-Bissau has experienced political turmoil, with nine coups since its independence in 1974. Since Embalo took office in 2020, he claims to have survived three coup attempts. Critics have accused him of creating crises to justify a crackdown on dissent, while he aims to enhance infrastructure and water access if reelected.
Dias has voiced concerns over Embalo’s tenure, alleging he would weaken democratic institutions if reelected and criticizing the government’s failure to tackle the cocaine trade, which has surged in profitability. Despite Embalo’s denials about involvement in drug trafficking, there are rising concerns about political corruption.
Voting was mostly smooth on election day, although the political environment is tense and polarized. Close to half of the two million eligible voters are registered. There are differing opinions among voters, with some expressing confidence in Embalo’s ability to address the country’s issues, while others worry about his recent actions against parliament. Polls will close at 1700 GMT, with preliminary results to follow within two days.
With information from Reuters