02 Jun 2023 | 12:37 PM UTC
Guinea Bissau: Legislative election to take place June 4
Legislative election to take place in Guinea Bissau June 4. Increased security, disruptions likely; gatherings, clashes possible.
Event
Guinea-Bissau will hold a legislative election on June 4, in which 102 representatives of the National People's Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular) will be elected. The elections come after President Umaro Sissoco Embalo (Madem-G15 party) dissolved the assembly in May 2022, accusing deputies of corruption and poor parliamentary governance, as well as unsolvable differences between the government and the assembly. The President's party does not have a majority in the assembly.
An increased security presence, as well as road traffic and business disruptions, are likely the day preceding the election, on election day, and during the voting tabulation period. Political tensions are elevated during election periods, and electoral-related violence cannot be ruled out, although the previous legislative election passed without significant incidents. Spontaneous gatherings are possible in the aftermath of the results.
Context
Guinea-Bissau has struggled with government stability, facing multiple attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. In February 2022, government armed forces reportedly foiled a coup attempt against President Umaro Sissoco Embalo at the Government Palace; a dozen people were killed. During the last 2020 presidential elections, the African Party for Guinea and Cape Vert Independence (PAIGC) contested the results of the elections and designated an interim president a day after the opposition winner at the time Embalo took office, leading to a situation where two presidents and two prime ministers declared victory.
Advice
Avoid any election events, and exercise caution near National Electoral Commission offices, polling stations, and counting centers. Seek updated information from local sources for updates on election events, as organizers may not announce details in advance. Use alternative routes to avoid election-related events; allow additional time to reach destinations. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a non-governmental building. Heed all official security and transport advisories and instructions.
