 Guinea-Bissau went to the polls on Sunday in closely watched presidential and legislative elections, with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo locked in a tight race as he attempts to become the country’s first leader in three decades to secure a second consecutive term.
Embalo faces 11 challengers, the most prominent being political newcomer Fernando Dias, who enjoys the backing of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), the movement that spearheaded the nation’s liberation from Portugal in the 1960s and 1970s.
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In an unprecedented setback for the party, PAIGC was barred from fielding its own candidates after authorities ruled that it submitted its documents too late.
Analysts say the contest is likely to be highly competitive between Embalo and Dias, with a run-off expected if none of the candidates crosses the 50 per cent threshold.
Embalo, wearing his signature red keffiyeh, cast his vote in the eastern city of Gabu on Sunday, expressing strong confidence in retaining power.
“I call on everyone to vote massively, to elect the person who will bring stability and progress to Guinea-Bissau, to build this country,” he said.
Vote counting began shortly after polls closed at 1700 GMT.
Turnout exceeded 65 per cent, and provisional results will be announced on Thursday, Idrissa Diallo, spokesperson for the national electoral commission, said at a late-Sunday briefing.
