Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – Independent presidential candidate Fernando Dias on Monday proclaimed victory in Guinea-Bissau’s first-round election, asserting that he holds a “comfortable lead” even as the country awaits official results from the National Electoral Commission (CNE), expected by Thursday.
Dias, backed by the PAIGC and PRS parties, told reporters in Bissau that his campaign had already compiled vote tallies indicating an outright first-round win.
“We already have our data collected, and we know what the result is. This election was won in the first round. It’s done,” he said. “We are just waiting for the competent authority to confirm, so we can put the people on the streets to demonstrate.”
He hailed Sunday’s turnout as a clear sign that voters were “tired” and ready for change, claiming victories “in almost all regions, except Gabú.” According to Dias, the results mark a political turning point and the defeat of incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who is seeking a second term.
Dias urged the CNE to publish results that “reflect the popular will,” noting that the commission has committed to releasing the final tally by November 27.
Embaló’s Camp Rejects Early Victory Claims
The incumbent president’s campaign swiftly pushed back, insisting that the election “went very well” for Embaló and cautioning Dias against declaring victory prematurely.
“There will be no second round,” said campaign representative Diretscar Barbosa, adding that Embaló remains confident of securing reelection. Barbosa warned Dias’s supporters not to celebrate in the streets before the CNE issues its official results.
He also urged followers of Embaló and the Republican Platform “Nô Kumpo Guiné” to remain calm as the country awaits the final vote count.
High-Stakes Vote Marks Critical Political Moment
Sunday’s election featured 12 presidential candidates, though the race quickly crystallized into a high-stakes face-off between Embaló and Dias.
Dias, running as an independent, entered the race with the backing of the PAIGC, which was barred from participating directly in these elections.
Its leader, Domingos Simões Pereira, long seen as Embaló’s strongest challenger, was also excluded, prompting PAIGC to rally behind the independent bid of Dias.
The presidential contest overshadowed the legislative elections, in which 14 parties competed. The previous parliament was dissolved two years ago by President Embaló, leading to the removal of the PAI–Terra Ranka coalition from power. None of the former parliamentary parties returned to the race in Sunday’s vote.
As Guinea-Bissau waits for the official results, both leading camps are projecting a first-round victory, setting the stage for potential political tension if the CNE’s announcement contradicts either side’s claims.
