Guinea Bissau is unlikely to hold its legislative elections on the scheduled November 24 date, Minister for Territorial Administration Aristides Ocante da Silva warned Friday. He cited logistical and financial difficulties after meeting with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who initially set the date following the dissolution of parliament last December.
The dissolution, which came amid violent clashes Embalo labelled a coup attempt, has added to the country’s prolonged political instability.
An alliance led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), historically at odds with Embalo, held a parliamentary majority after the June 2023 elections, leading to a tense political standoff.
Additionally, the expiration of key appointments in the electoral commission and Supreme Court has further complicated preparations for both the legislative and presidential elections.
Guinea-Bissau has grappled with a history of coups and economic hardship since its independence from Portugal. Although the past decade has seen some return to constitutional order, political discord persists.
Embalo’s five-year term, which began in December 2019, continues to stir debate over its duration and the timing of the next presidential election.