Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Guinea-Bissau's Tight Presidential Race: Embalo Faces Strong Challengers
Guinea-Bissau's president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, is up for re-election on November 23.
He faces a strong challenge from Fernando Dias of the PRS party, who promises to promote security and reconciliation.
There are 11 other candidates, including two former presidents.
A runoff is likely as no one is expected to win more than half the votes in the first round.
The election takes place against a backdrop of a booming cocaine trade and political polarization.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo seeks re-election on Nov 23
Main challenger: Fernando Dias of PRS, promising security and reconciliation
10 other candidates, including former presidents Jose Mario Vaz and Baciro Dja
Runoff likely as no candidate expected to win over 50% in first round
Election backdrop: Booming cocaine trade and political polarization
- Who
- President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Fernando Dias, and 10 other candidates
- What
- Running for president in Guinea-Bissau's election
- When
- November 23, 2023
- Where
- Guinea-Bissau
- Why
- To elect the president of Guinea-Bissau
Embalo's Supporters
Opposition Candidates
Embalo's Re-election
Embalo's Supporters
Embalo seeks to become the first incumbent to win a second term
Opposition Candidates
Opposition candidates challenge Embalo's re-election due to his handling of political instability and cocaine trade
- Election Date
- November 23, 2023
- Number of Candidates
- 12
- Runoff Threshold
- More than 50% of votes
- Previous Incumbents Running
- Yes (Jose Mario Vaz and Baciro Dja)
- Main Opposition Party's Backing
- Fernando Dias (Domingos Simoes Pereira's ally)
- Cocaine Trade Impact
- Deepened under Embalo's presidency