Election observer missions of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the West African Elders Forum have expressed concern after the Guinea-Bissau armed forces suspended the election and announced a takeover of the country.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the election
missions described the coup as an attempt to erode the country’s progress
toward stability and to strengthen democratic institutions.
The missions said both the presidential and legislative
elections had been “orderly and peaceful”, with strong voter turnout and
professional conduct by electoral officials, security forces, and party agents.
It said the coup has hindered a conclusion to a largely
peaceful electoral process.
The observers also raised concerns about the arrest of top
officials, demanding their immediate release.
“We, the Heads of the African Union Election Observation
Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and the West
African Elders Forum, note the orderly and peaceful conclusion of the voting
process for the presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025
in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“We commend the people of Guinea-Bissau for their strong
civic engagement, as well a s the professionalism demonstrated b y polling
staff, security personnel, presidential candidates, and party agents,
throughout the voting process,” the statement read.
Gunshots were heard near the Guinea-Bissau electoral
commission headquarters earlier on Wednesday before a televised official
announcement of a military takeover in the country.
A group of army officers who describe themselves as the
“High Military Command for the Restoration declared that they are taking
control “until further notice.”
The coup took place on the eve of the expected announcement
of election results, which pitted incumbent President Umaro Embalo,
representing Madem‑G15, against leading opposition candidate Fernando
Dias, candidate of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS).
The missions said they had only just concluded meetings with
the two leading presidential candidates, both of whom pledged to respect the
final results, when the armed forces declared they were taking power.
They called the action “regrettable” and “a blatant attempt
to disrupt the democratic process,” urging the African Union and ECOWAS to take
immediate steps to restore constitutional order in the West African state.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com