The presidential election in Guinea-Bissau, involving over 960,000 eligible voters, proceeded without major incidents on Sunday, November 23.
The election features incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo seeking a second term against eleven challenging candidates.
Idrissa Djalo, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission (CNE), confirmed the peaceful nature of the vote, noting the absence of major irregularities despite a few logistical challenges that were swiftly resolved.
Djalo hailed the “spirit of cordiality” displayed by the candidates throughout the electoral process. He also highlighted the strong involvement of women and young people, viewing it as an encouraging sign of growing empowerment and engagement in political rights. He extended gratitude to all polling station staff, security forces, and international observers for their contributions to the smooth running of the election.
According to initial estimates gathered from regional commissions, voter turnout is expected to exceed 65%, pending the final consolidation of data by the CNE.
The National Electoral Commission was required to convene an emergency plenary session to address specific incidents reported in polling centers abroad, particularly in Portugal and France. To ensure affected voters could exercise their right, the CNE authorized, among other measures, the use of the 2023 electronic voter registration file.
The contest pits President Embalo against a diverse field that includes former President Jose Mario Vaz and former Prime Minister Baciro Djá. A key political factor in the race is the influence of Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the PAIGC party, who was barred from running but has officially endorsed the candidate of the PRS party, Fernando Dias da Costa.
The CNE aims to publish the provisional results no later than November 27. Djalo concluded by urging voters, political parties, and the media to refrain from disseminating any results before their official proclamation, as this prerogative rests exclusively with the National Electoral Commission.
AC/fss/abj/APA