• Guinea-Bissau holds presidential and legislative elections with President Embalo seeking a second consecutive term.
• Embalo faces 11 challengers, primarily Fernando Dias, backed by ex-Prime Minister Pereira.
• The election is marked by exclusion of major opposition parties due to late submission of candidacy papers.
• Political analysts expect a close race, requiring over 50% support to avoid a runoff.
• The country has experienced multiple coups, raising concerns over electoral integrity and stability.

Guinea-Bissau held its presidential and legislative elections on Sunday, with incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo aiming to become the first leader in three decades to secure a second consecutive term. He is challenged by 11 other candidates, notably Fernando Dias, a political newcomer supported by the former Prime Minister, Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which was barred from participation due to a late application submission, according to Reuters and Africanews.

The election occurs during a challenging time for democracy in West Africa, where military coups have recently disrupted civilian governments. The political climate in Guinea-Bissau remains intense, with nearly half of the nation's 2.2 million citizens registered to vote. A majority of the electorate seems polarized, with both candidates promising reforms: Embalo plans to enhance infrastructure and expand water access, while Dias advocates for improved basic services and military neutrality in politics, according to Al Jazeera and Africanews.

Political analysts anticipate a close contest, with no candidate expected to win outright unless one secures more than 50% of the votes—if not, a run-off will ensue. This scenario highlights the tension as the PAIGC, despite its historical significance, faces ongoing political exclusion, which raises concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process, as noted by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Embalo’s leadership has been mired in controversies, including accusations of using political strategies to maintain control and dissolve opposition-led parliament. He has faced multiple coup attempts during his tenure, intensifying calls for stability amid fears of potential unrest following the elections. Observers emphasize that the legitimacy of this election is critical to Guinea-Bissau's future, given its history of coups and civil strife, as reported by Africanews and Al Jazeera.