Guinea-Bissau’s scheduled presidential and legislative elections are facing uncertainty after the National Electoral Commission warned that the conditions required for voting are not in place.
No official postponement has been announced, but the commission’s warning raises questions about whether the elections will proceed in December as planned.
Senegal calls for dialogue
Senegal, acting as a mediator on behalf of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, has urged Guinea-Bissau’s military rulers to lift restrictions on political and civil activities.
Senegal also called on all sides, including the military leadership, to engage in constructive dialogue and show restraint as political and security tensions continue to mount.
According to Senegal’s position, any decision to alter the electoral calendar should be made through an inclusive and transparent process. It has also called for clear guarantees that the country will return to civilian rule if the timetable is changed.
Military control since November 2025
Guinea-Bissau has been under military control since soldiers overthrew President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in November 2025. The electoral process was suspended one day before provisional election results were expected.
The disruption has left the country’s political transition and election timetable uncertain. The National Electoral Commission’s latest warning indicates that preparations have not reached a point at which the scheduled presidential and legislative polls can safely or effectively take place.
Senegal’s intervention comes as concerns continue over restrictions on political and civil activity and the need for a credible path back to civilian government. Its call for an inclusive process places emphasis on dialogue and transparency if changes to the election schedule become necessary.
For now, the December elections remain scheduled, but their eventual status has not been settled. No formal announcement has confirmed a new date or officially postponed the vote.
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