In a move that has drawn scrutiny from regional observers, the military authorities in the coup-prone West African nation of Guinea-Bissau have announced presidential and legislative elections for 6 December. This comes despite calls for a swifter transition to civilian rule following the November 2022 military takeover.
Transitional President Umaro Sissoco Embaló signed a decree on Wednesday after meeting with members of the National Transitional Council, military and government officials, as well as representatives of the electoral commission. He stated that the conditions for free and fair elections have been met.
The decision to hold elections in December follows pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional bloc, which had previously rejected the junta’s proposal for a one-year timeline and suspended the country from its decision-making bodies, threatening further sanctions.
The November 2022 coup drew widespread criticism, with many questioning the military’s decision to seize power on the eve of the official proclamation of presidential election results. At the time, both President Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, claimed victory. The military said it intervened to thwart a plot to destabilize the politically fragile and unstable nation.
Some regional observers, including former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, argued that the coup was staged. The transitional charter adopted shortly after the coup already bars interim leader N’Tam and his prime minister from running in the upcoming elections.
However, given the trend of coup leaders in West Africa consolidating power and extending their stay in office, observers will no doubt question whether Guinea-Bissau will be any exception. The identities of those aspiring for the country’s top job remain unclear, as the junta’s actions have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Guinea-Bissau, often referred to as a “narco-state” due to its involvement in the drug trade, has a history of political instability and military coups, with at least nine attempted and successful coups since independence from Portugal in 1974. The upcoming elections will be closely watched as the country attempts to navigate its way towards a more stable democratic future.
