Both leading contenders in Guinea-Bissau’s presidential race have declared themselves winners, even as the nation awaits the official vote tally.
Supporters of Fernando Dias widely viewed as the strongest challenger to incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló were first to announce victory. Not long after, Embaló’s campaign asserted that he had secured more than 50% of the vote, enough to avoid a runoff. Local media reported that official results were expected later on Tuesday.
The rival declarations risk heightening political tensions in the small West African nation, which has a long history of military interventions.
Dias has the backing of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and of former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira, whose own presidential candidacy was rejected over technical issues.
A win for Embaló would make him the first president in roughly 30 years to complete and potentially extend his mandate.
This election has been viewed as one of the most contentious in recent memory, largely due to the exclusion of the main opposition party.
