Guinea-Bissau: The Future is decided today.
This Sunday, June 4, 2023, around 900 voters started a crucial process for the future of democracy in Guinea-Bissau by deciding who will represent them in the next government. This election, the seventh since opening to multipartyism in 1994, sees 20 parties and two coalitions competing for the 102 seats in parliament.
Guinea-Bissau has been in a state of political uncertainty since the dissolution of parliament by President Umaro Sissoco Embaló on 16 May 2022. The elections, initially scheduled for 18 December 2022, have been rescheduled for 4 June . This action raised concerns about the country's political stability, making the outcome of these elections more crucial than ever.
The Main Competitors
The range of parties in the dispute is varied, but the focus is mainly on four: the Movement for Democratic Alternation (Madem-G15), currently in government.
The Plataforma Aliança Inclusiva (PAI) – Terra Ranka coalition, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC, in opposition); the Social Renewal Party (PRS); and the Guinean Workers' Party (PTG), led by Botché Candé, the current Minister of Agriculture.
The United People's Assembly – Democratic Party of Guinea-Bissau (APU-PDGB), under Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam, is also an important player on the political scene, despite having had a more discreet presence during the election campaign.
The main actors
Umaro Sissoco Embalo
When the protagonist of the legislatures is the president of the country, much is said. Embaló's face is on the posters of his party, Madem-G15, a situation that he devalued by saying that all parties are authorized to use his image. The head of state has already warned that he will have the last word in the formation of the government.
Nuno Gomes Nabiam
Nuno Gomes Nabiam admitted that there is hunger in Guinea-Bissau due to the lack of cashew nuts.
In contrast, the prime minister and leader of the APU-PDGB ran a low-key campaign. His party faced a split that led to the loss of leaders, so Nuno Gomes Nabiam's main objective is to keep deputies in the assembly.
Domingos Simões Pereira
The PAIGC leader, who ran in the last presidential elections with Embaló, is the main figure of the five-party PAI-Terra Ranka alliance, which ran a campaign centered on young people and women.
If the coalition receives the most votes, neither Simões Pereira nor his deputy Geraldo Martins will be nominated as heads of government, warned the president. The PAIGC won the 2019 legislatives, but moved to the opposition in 2020, after Embaló fired PM Aristides Gomes.
The Future of the Government of Guinea-Bissau
The formation of the future government promises to be challenging, with the current Prime Minister, Nuno Gomes Nabiam, already foreseeing that no party will obtain the majority. A consensus will be needed to form the executive, a situation that requires delicacy and diplomacy.
The role of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in the electoral campaign has been the subject of debate. Many argue that he has exerted disproportionate influence on the process, raising concerns about the neutrality of his role and its potential impact on post-election outcomes.
It must not be forgotten that the President of Guinea-Bissau has stated that he will not nominate the leader of the PAIGC as prime minister if he wins the elections.
“I said 'Domingos Simões Pereira I will never nominate him'.
In addition, the country's economic situation, particularly dissatisfaction with the situation of cashew nut sales, a crucial issue for 80% of the Guinean population, could have a significant effect on voters.
The Election Stage in Guinea-Bissau
Election observation is attended by around 200 observers from various parts of the world, including 60 members of the short-term mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by former Cape Verdean President Jorge Carlos Fonseca, in addition to 29 from the African Union, led by former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano.
The mission of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) is headed by the former Timorese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alberto Carlos, with 27 members.
On the other hand, women's rights were also not respected. There are more women than men among voters, but few will be elected as deputies, in breach of legislation
Despite the parity law providing for a minimum of 36% women in decision-making positions, the party lists did not comply and the Supreme Court did nothing. If in the last legislature there were 13 deputies, now only 11 are in eligible seats.
And we must not forget the accusations of foul play that also marked this election campaign, with the PAI – Terra Ranka coalition denouncing irregularities in the campaign. With all this, the situation in Guinea-Bissau remains tense and unpredictable.
Towards the Future of Guinea-Bissau
As election day continues on this decisive Sunday, voters form long lines and Guineans prepare to shape their country's future by exercising their democratic right to vote. Today's vote will set the nation's course for years to come, which underscores the importance of this moment.
The outcome of these elections is uncertain, but hopes are high. The Guinean population anxiously awaits the outcome of these elections, with the hope that it will bring the stability and change that the country so badly needs.
However, the results of these elections, together with the ability of political parties to work together to form a government, will be decisive for the country's political stability in the coming years.
Conclusion
The political future of Guinea-Bissau, a country with a history full of coups d'état and instability, largely depends on these elections. A convincing victory could bring stability that has been in short supply, while a contested outcome could drag the country back into a cycle of conflict and uncertainty.
The need for stability is urgent. The Guinean economy, already weakened by years of political instability, is in danger of collapsing. Citizens are struggling with the rising cost of living and the lack of basic services. A stable and effective government could potentially make great strides in improving the economic and social situation.
However, to achieve this stability, it will be necessary to go beyond party interests and focus on the country's development. Strong leadership, capable of establishing consensus and promoting national unity, will be essential. Furthermore, it is crucial that campaign promises are kept and that the elected government implements policies that really benefit the Guinean people.
As Election Day draws to a close, the sense of anticipation intensifies. Despite the challenges, Guineans remain hopeful. Your participation in the polls is a testament to your determination to build a better future for the country.
Official results should be announced in the coming days. Regardless of the winner, what is really important is that the outcome of these elections marks a new beginning for Guinea-Bissau and ushers in an era of peace, stability and prosperity. Only time will tell if these hopes will materialize. But for now, Guinea-Bissau hopes and dreams of a brighter future.
What do you think of these seventh legislative elections in Guinea-Bissau? Are you going to follow the outcome or just wait for the result? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
See also:
Guinea-Bissau: Attack on the Residence of Fransual Dias
Guinea-Bissau: creole and national languages in teaching
Guinea-Bissau, requested election observers
Picture: © DR
