Bissau: The two leading candidates in Guinea-Bissau’s presidential election have both declared victory, creating a tense atmosphere as the nation awaits the official results.
According to Nam News Network, Fernando Dias, regarded as the principal challenger to the current President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, was the first to assert a win. Shortly afterward, Embalo’s representatives announced that their candidate had secured more than 50% of the vote, potentially avoiding a runoff election. Official results were expected to be released later on Tuesday, as reported by local media.
The dueling claims of victory have the potential to destabilize the political environment in Guinea-Bissau, a country with a history of military coups. Fernando Dias has garnered support from the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira, whose own presidential candidacy was disqualified due to a technical issue.
Should Embalo succeed in securing a second term, he would become the first leader in three decades to achieve consecutive terms in office in Guinea-Bissau. The election is considered one of the most contentious in recent history, mainly due to the exclusion of the main opposition party.