Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU – Guinea-Bissau) – The leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and head of the Inclusive Alliance Platform PAI – Terra Ranka, Domingos Simões Pereira, has announced the coalition’s endorsement of independent candidate Fernando Dias da Costa in the presidential election scheduled for November 23.
Simões Pereira said the decision reflects a shared conviction that Dias da Costa has the readiness and courage to assume the presidency and lead the country out of what he described as an oppressive political environment. He emphasized that national interest must prevail over partisan considerations.
“National interests are above all else. This demonstrates our collective will to save Guinea-Bissau from oppression and make it a true democratic state governed by the rule of law,” he stated during the signing of the political agreement on Monday.
He called on citizens to transform their frustration and fear into political mobilization, urging them to support Dias da Costa at the polls as a step towards reclaiming the country from what he called “an authoritarian regime.”
“When a people truly embrace their dignity, no authoritarian regime can overthrow them,” Simões Pereira said. He appealed to citizens “who have suffered tear gas, beatings, and kidnappings” to vote en masse for Dias da Costa, describing him as the candidate capable of addressing the crises Guinea-Bissau has faced over the last six years.
Under the agreement, all PAIGC militants and the PAI Terra Ranka coalition are expected not only to vote for Dias da Costa but also to campaign on his behalf to “end the trivialization of the state.”
For his part, Fernando Dias da Costa expressed gratitude for the endorsement, which he described as significant support from one of the country’s most influential political forces. He pledged to honor the trust placed in him.
He said his candidacy is rooted in the restoration of constitutional order and protection of basic freedoms, arguing that many Guineans today live without freedom of expression and lack security.
“This agreement reflects a shared objective,” Dias da Costa said. “We want a free and united country where democracy is respected by all.”
Agnelo Augusto Regalla, a senior figure in the PAI Terra Ranka coalition, reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to working toward Dias da Costa’s victory, calling the candidate “the hope for restoring freedom, democracy, and development.”
The political agreement was signed by Domingos Simões Pereira and Fernando Dias da Costa, and witnessed by Regalla. Dias da Costa, popularly known as “Dias,” is also supported by the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance, Cabas Garandi, and one of the wings of the Social Renewal Party (PRS).
