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Guinea-Bissau Votes as Embalo Seeks Rare Second Term in Close, Tense Race

A Supreme Court ban on the PAIGC leaves the field reshaped under heavy security.

Supporters of Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo take part in his final campaign rally in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, November 21, 2025. REUTERS/Luc Gnago
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo is favoured to win a second term in Guinea-Bissau's elections
The three-week campaign unfolded in a festive atmosphere
Embalo dissolved the legislature in 2023 and has since ruled by decree

Overview

  • Polling runs 07:00–17:00 GMT with provisional results expected within 48 hours, according to officials.
  • About 860,000 registered voters are choosing among 12 presidential candidates alongside a full parliamentary vote for 102 seats.
  • Analysts flag a tight contest led by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and opposition-backed Fernando Dias, with a runoff required if no candidate tops 50%.
  • Authorities closed air, land and sea borders for election day and deployed more than 6,780 security personnel, including ECOWAS forces.
  • Opposition figures question Embalo’s mandate and cite past coups and drug-trafficking pressures as risks to post-election stability.