A group of 20 prominent Africans, including former President of Cabo Verde Pedro Pires and ex-Foreign Minister José Brito, are calling for the immediate release of Guinea-Bissau’s November 23 legislative and presidential election results.
The group, in a joint statement, condemned the military’s interference in the electoral process, stating that it was forced to destroy or take away documents and data needed to release the results.
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The National Electoral Commission (CNE) claimed that the military destroyed or took away documents and data, making it impossible to continue compiling results. The group believes that copies of the original election tallies have been preserved and that international pressure can lead to their publication.
The African Union, United Nations, and Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) have been urged to intervene and prevent a reversal of democratic gains. ECOWAS has condemned the military coup and demanded the release of detained leaders.
Outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was arrested and later evacuated to Senegal, then moved to Congo-Brazzaville and Morocco, allegedly planning to return to Guinea-Bissau to reclaim power. The situation remains tense, with Guinea-Bissau’s military leaders facing growing pressure to restore democracy.
