A small West African country that has never known a peaceful transfer of power just held its breath and voted. Now the counting has begun.
The Man Who Wants History
In the eastern city of Gabu, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló – ex-army general, sharp suit, calm smile – slipped his ballot into the box. If he wins, he becomes the first leader in over 30 years to serve two consecutive terms. He told waiting reporters only four words: “Let it be peaceful.”
The Challenger Who Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here
Two hundred kilometres west in the capital, 47-year-old Fernando Dias da Costa stood outside a polling station surrounded by red-shirted opposition supporters. He is the last-minute replacement for the real opposition star – Domingos Simões Pereira – who was disqualified weeks ago because of “late paperwork.” Many here call that an “institutional coup.” Dias da Costa didn’t mince words: “If they steal this vote, the people will answer.”
A Parliament That Doesn’t Exist
Since December 2023, Guinea-Bissau has had no functioning parliament. Embaló dissolved it after what he called a failed coup. The opposition calls it a power grab. For nearly two years, one man has ruled by decree.
The Soldiers Watching in Silence
At night, army patrols still roll through Bissau’s dark streets. Nine coups or attempts since 1974. Everyone remembers. An old fish seller at the market told me: “I voted for change. But if the generals don’t like the result, we’ll be back to guns again.”
The Numbers That Could Change Everything
Over a million ballots are now being counted by hand under candlelight and generator hum. To win outright: more than 50%. Anything less means a second round – and two more weeks of tension.
One Question Tonight
As the first results trickle in from rural districts, the entire nation is asking the same thing:
Will Guinea-Bissau finally break its curse… or is the next coup already waiting in the shadows?
The count continues. The world is watching. And somewhere in Bissau tonight, someone is deciding whether history repeats itself.
Fugees Star Pras Michel Jailed 14 Years in Foreign Agent Scandal
