Former President Embaló Announces Presidential Candidacy

Guinea-Bissau's military regime has announced that December 6th has been set as the date for both presidential and legislative elections.

Following this, former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló officially declared his intention to run as a candidate in the next presidential election. Currently in exile in Congo Brazzaville, former President Embaló is expected to return to Guinea-Bissau this Sunday. He also announced plans to hold a party convention in mid-October and launch a new Republican platform for the upcoming presidential election.

Some observers raised suspicions that former President Embaló colluded with the military to halt the electoral process to avoid losing the election. However, Embaló and the current leader, General Hortan Tam, still maintain good relations, and General Tam stated that Embaló could return as a civilian if he is not charged.

Chairman Pereira strongly criticized this, accusing it as an attempt to restore Embaló as the 'absolute owner of the nation.' Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau adopted a new constitution last August, alongside the suspension of military activities. This new constitution transformed the state system from a semi-presidential system with a parliamentary nature to a strong presidential system.