In a bid to establish stability after a tumultuous coup attempt last February, Guinea-Bissau conducted legislative elections on Sunday. Counting is currently underway and the West African nation awaits the outcome with bated breath.
An impressive contingent of 600 soldiers was deployed to ensure the secure operation of the electoral proceedings, attempting to assuage the palpable tensions following the recent dissolution of the National Assembly.
The voting process was conducted peacefully, devoid of any reported conflicts, according to voting bureau member, Barros Pesse. He noted a large turnout, with citizens exercising their democratic right to influence the political landscape for the next four years.
A contingent of roughly 200 international observers was also present to ensure a transparent election.
The two primary political contenders include President Embaló’s Madem G15 party and the African Party for Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). Results are anticipated on Tuesday.
Guinea-Bissau, the small West African nation with a tumultuous history, has been grappling with political instability since gaining independence from Portugal nearly half a century ago. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, a former army general, took office after emerging victorious in the December 2019 runoff election. He later survived an armed coup attempt in February 2022.
According to analysts, Embalo’s tenure has been marked by a curtailing of civic freedoms and diminishing independence of government bodies. He dissolved the parliament in May 2022 and subsequently postponed the scheduled December legislative election.
Lucia Bird Ruiz Benitez de Lugo, director of the West Africa Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, stated that these elections will play a pivotal role in determining the president’s support in parliament and the direction of his relationship with the influential military in the remaining part of his tenure.
Sunday’s voting took place in more than 3,500 stations across the country and in the diaspora. This is the seventh legislative election since the nation adopted a multi-party system almost three decades ago.
Citizens expressed hope that this election might pave the way for a more stable political future for the country. The results of Sunday’s election are expected to be contested in the days following the announcement.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Darcicio Barbosa
