14 Mar 2019 | 09:10 AM UTC
Guinea-Bissau: Ruling party declared winner of the legislative elections /update 7
Election commission announces on March 13 that the PAICG ruling party secured 46.1 percent of the vote in the March 10 legislative elections; associated protests possible
Event
Guinea-Bissau's National Election Commission announced on Wednesday, March 13, that the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) ruling party secured 46.1 percent of the vote in the March 10 legislative election, including 47 out of 102 seats at the National Assembly. However, as the party didn't secure an outright majority, the PAICG will likely be forced to form a coalition government.
Political demonstrations are possible in Bissau and other cities over the coming days. Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites. Clashes between supporters of different political parties are possible in the coming days.
Context
Guinea-Bissau has experienced a period of political uncertainty since August 2015, when President José Mario Vaz dismissed Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the president's own PAIGC. Vaz and his government have since suffered increasing unpopularity.
Advice
Individuals in Guinea-Bissau are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate public demonstrations and associated disruptions, and avoid all political events as a precaution.
