Guinea-Bissau election sees voters choosing a new president amid political tension and absence of the main opposition party

BISSAU – Guinea-Bissau is set to hold its presidential election on Sunday, as citizens seek stability after decades of coups and political unrest.

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Some 860,000 registered voters will choose among 12 candidates, including incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who is widely regarded as the favourite to secure a second five-year term.

The vote also coincides with the election of 102 parliamentary members, following the dissolution of parliament by Embalo in December 2023.

Voters registering at a polling station with election officials, ballot papers, and transparent ballot box, during an election process in an outdoor setting with a festive tablecloth, in Africa. — Election registration process at an outdoor polling station with election officials and ballot papers, demonstrating democratic elections in Africa.

The absence of the PAIGC party—the historic party that led the country to independence in 1974—marks a first in Guinea-Bissau’s electoral history, with its candidate Domingos Simoes Pereira disqualified by the Supreme Court along with his coalition.

“Our parents fought to liberate this country, but the heirs have destroyed everything for personal gain,” said Djibril Sanha, a 30-year-old teacher in Bissau. “We don’t want to hear about violence or coups anymore. Enough is enough.”

Citizens hope the next president will address critical issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment, poverty, corruption, and drug trafficking.

Lucia Bird, director of the Observatory of Illicit Economies in West Africa, expressed scepticism about whether the elections will deliver stability, warning of likely post-election disputes.

Embalo’s main challengers include former president Jose Mario Vaz and opposition candidate Fernando Dias, who has garnered support from PAIGC and Pereira supporters despite the party’s disqualification. Analysts suggest Embalo is in a strong position, benefiting from an unrestricted campaign compared with limited opposition resources.

Since taking office, Embalo has faced multiple coup attempts, including one reported in late October 2025, just before campaigning began.

His first term included the dramatic dissolution of parliament and protests by the opposition claiming his term had expired in February 2025.

Security is a priority, with more than 6,780 personnel, including forces from ECOWAS, deployed to safeguard voting and the post-election period.

The 2019 election was similarly contested, with Embalo ultimately recognised as president by ECOWAS following a tense standoff with Pereira.

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As Guinea-Bissau goes to the polls, voters hope that this election may finally bring a measure of peace and progress to one of West Africa’s poorest nations.

Source: Read more at theheute.com.ng