Guinea-Bissau held closely watched presidential and legislative elections on Sunday, with citizens turning out across the country to choose their next leaders in a politically fragile environment. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who came to power in 2020, is seeking an unprecedented second consecutive term—something no leader has achieved in more than 30 years in the coup-prone nation.
Twelve candidates are competing for the presidency, though analysts say the race is expected to come down to Embaló and Fernando Dias, a relatively new political figure whose candidacy has gained momentum. Dias is backed by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), the historic movement that led the struggle for independence from Portugal. For the first time, PAIGC was unable to run under its own banner after authorities rejected its paperwork for being filed late, prompting it to support Dias instead.
Election observers anticipate a tight contest, with a second-round runoff likely if no one secures more than 50% of the vote. Embaló cast his ballot in the eastern city of Gabu, dressed in his signature red keffiyeh, and urged citizens to participate fully. “We must choose leaders committed to stability and development,” he said.
A Nation Marked by Instability
Guinea-Bissau, with a population of about two million, has been plagued by political turbulence since independence in 1974. At least nine coups have taken place, and Embaló claims to have survived three additional attempts during his presidency. Critics, however, argue that his administration has sometimes exaggerated threats to justify political crackdowns—an allegation he denies.
Opposition parties have questioned the president’s legitimacy throughout the year, noting that they believe his mandate expired in February. Tensions deepened in 2023 when Embaló dissolved parliament following what his government described as a coup attempt, a decision that continues to divide public opinion.
Drug Trafficking Concerns Take Center Stage
Security remains a major issue in the campaign. Guinea-Bissau has long been a transit hub for cocaine smuggled from South America to Europe, a trade that has corroded institutions and fueled corruption. Dias has strongly criticized Embaló’s government for failing to stem the illicit flow of drugs, arguing that the president’s administration has not shown enough political will to address the problem.
A report published in August by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) noted that the cocaine trade may now be more profitable than ever in the country. At polling stations, voters echoed concerns about the drug economy’s impact on national stability. “Only firm political commitment can help us fight this scourge,” said customs officer Jorge Monteiro after voting in Bissau.
Embaló has rejected accusations that his government benefits from or tolerates drug trafficking, insisting that his administration has made efforts to strengthen security and judicial cooperation.
Polarised Climate, Uneven Campaign Conditions
Approximately half of the population is registered to vote, and most polling stations in the capital opened on time with no major disruptions reported in the morning. Still, the broader political atmosphere remains strained.
“The electoral environment is extremely tense. The opposition has deep-rooted popular support, but their ability to campaign freely has been very restricted,” said Lucia Bird Ruiz-Benitez de Lugo, director of the GI-TOC’s Observatory of Illicit Economies in West Africa.
In Bissau, voters voiced sharply differing views as campaigns held final rallies. Tailor Saico Cande said he trusts Embaló to resolve ongoing security and food challenges, while businesswoman Berta da Goya said the dissolution of parliament still weighs heavily on her voting decision.
Polling stations were expected to close at 1700 GMT, with provisional results anticipated within 48 hours. The outcome will determine whether Guinea-Bissau enters a period of renewed stability—or if another chapter of political uncertainty lies ahead.
Source:Africa Publicity
