Guinea-Bissau's military junta has scheduled general elections for December 6, 2026. The vote will elect a new president and members of the National People's Assembly. The announcement follows a coup that halted the release of election results last November.
The military seized power on November 26, 2025, just days after citizens cast their ballots. Soldiers detained President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and several senior officials. They also raided the National Electoral Commission and destroyed tally sheets. Opposition candidate Fernando Dias had claimed victory before the takeover. Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan called the event a "ceremonial coup." ECOWAS and the African Union condemned the military intervention and suspended Guinea-Bissau's membership.
The junta, led by General Horta Inta-A Na Man, issued a transitional charter in December 2025. The charter bars the interim president and prime minister from contesting future elections. In January 2026, the military authorities released opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira from jail. They also invited opposition groups to join an inclusive transitional government. ECOWAS has pressed for a shorter transition period and the release of all political detainees.
The junta insists that "all conditions for organising free, fair and transparent elections have been met." Opposition leaders have rejected offers to participate in the transitional government. Regional bodies continue to demand a swift return to constitutional order. The international community watches closely as the December date approaches. Analysts question whether the military will honour its pledge to step aside after the polls.
