ECOWAS Intensifies Pre-Election Scrutiny in Guinea-Bissau Amid High-Stakes Vote
BISSAU – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ramped up its high-level diplomatic and technical engagements in Guinea-Bissau, conducting a series of critical meetings with national authorities and electoral bodies just days before the country’s pivotal presidential and legislative elections.
The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) intenfies high-level engagements ahead of Guinea-Bissau’s general elections
Led by Ambassador Issufu Baba Braimah Kamara and supported by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the observation mission is undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s preparedness for the November 23 polls. The intensified consultations come as the West African bloc seeks to ensure stability in a country with a history of political volatility.
Comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement
The mission’s activities included an internal briefing from technical teams who have been deployed across the country since November 14. This session focused on operational readiness, early voting arrangements for security forces, and the broader political climate.
In a significant diplomatic engagement, the delegation met with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló at the Presidential Palace, where the head of state expressed confidence in the electoral process. Ambassador Kamara used the opportunity to outline the EOM’s mandate and reaffirm ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting democratic consolidation in Guinea-Bissau.
International Coordination and Observer Deployment
The ECOWAS mission also coordinated with the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) Observation Mission, sharing insights on the competitiveness of the electoral landscape and the functioning of electoral institutions. This international coordination underscores the global interest in Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process.
A pivotal moment came with the arrival and deployment of 120 short-term observers, who were formally welcomed in a plenary session convened by ECOWAS Resident Representative Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje. Commissioner Musah emphasized the critical importance of professionalism, impartiality, and preventive diplomacy, while Ambassador Kamara urged strict adherence to ECOWAS methodology and code of conduct.
Electoral Commission Assurance and Candidate Perspectives
The delegation conducted substantive consultations with the National Election Commission (CNE), meeting with Acting Chairman N’Pabi Cabi to review legal, logistical, and administrative preparations. ECOWAS officials reaffirmed the CNE’s central role in guaranteeing transparency and credibility while encouraging the strengthening of institutional safeguards ahead of election day.
In a move demonstrating comprehensive stakeholder engagement, the Head of Mission also received a delegation representing independent presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa, led by Mr. Geraldo Martins. The meeting provided valuable perspectives on the political environment and enriched the mission’s assessment of stakeholder confidence in the electoral process.
Context of Regional Significance
The ECOWAS deployment occurs against a backdrop of historical political instability in Guinea-Bissau, which has experienced multiple coups and political crises since gaining independence. The regional body’s robust engagement reflects its broader mandate to promote democratic governance and prevent conflict in West Africa, particularly in nations with fragile political systems.
The mission operates under the authority of ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. As election day approaches, consultations with political actors, civil society, security institutions, and international partners continue, with observers preparing for nationwide deployment to monitor the crucial vote.
Source: https://www.ecowas.int/the-ecowas-election-observation-mission-eom-intenfies-high-level-engagements-ahead-of-guinea-bissaus-general-elections/