Equatorial Guinea: Authorities announce closure of air borders Nov. 20-21 amid Nov. 20 general elections; land borders closed /update 2

Event

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the closure of Equatorial Guinea's airspace from 00:00 Nov. 20 through 06:00 Nov. 21 amid the Nov. 20 general elections. Land borders have been closed since Oct. 31; officials stated they would remain closed until at least Nov. 20.

Political-related gatherings are likely ahead of the Presidential, Chamber of Deputies, Senate, and Municipal elections. The electoral campaign will officially run through Nov. 18. Likely gathering locations include Malabo on Bioko Island and Bata on the mainland.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy very tight security around the vicinity of all election-related events and near polling stations on election day. Opposition political gatherings are likely to be dispersed with security forces. Additional violence cannot be ruled out during any such gatherings. Disruptions to transport, businesses, and other services are possible on and around Nov. 20. Local businesses are likely to close the day before and during the election. Motor vehicle traffic will be prohibited on election day unless drivers are granted special exemptions. Authorities may impose restrictions on telecommunications, including mobile phone networks and internet services. Electoral violence and related demonstrations following Nov. 20 are possible. Additional security measures could go into effect or change with little to no warning.

Context

Authorities announced Sept. 20 that elections would be brought forward to Nov. 20. The decree cited financial reasons due to the negative global economic context (war in Ukraine, fallout of COVID-19 crisis) and related savings by combining all elections. The ruling PDGE party (Partido Democratico de Guinea Ecuatorial) is highly likely to remain in power and retain an overwhelming majority of deputies and senators.

Incumbent president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo will run for another term. He came to power in a 1979 coup and has been ruling the country for 43 years. He was elected in 1982 and 1989, running as the sole candidate for seven-year terms before the multi-party rule was introduced. Despite this, he was reelected in 1996, 2002, 2009, and 2016 with more than 90 percent of the vote each time. The elections were condemned as fraudulent by the opposition and international observers.

Advice

Avoid all election-related events and demonstrations. Monitor local media and consult with trusted sources for updated information on any protests or enhanced security measures. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Foreign nationals are discouraged from unauthorized access to polling places and may face arrest. Keep away from areas where crowds appear to be forming or security personnel are deploying. If clashes erupt nearby, exit the area immediately; if unable to do so, take refuge in a secure non-governmental building. Reconfirm air and land transport arrangements immediately before and during the election. Plan for possible disruptions to the telecommunication networks and internet services.