Guinea-Bissau’s planned December elections face growing uncertainty after the country’s electoral commission warned that conditions are not suitable for holding the vote.
Senegal has urged Guinea-Bissau’s military authorities to lift restrictions on political and civil activities, as regional efforts continue to restore civilian rule.
The warning comes nearly a year after a military takeover disrupted the country’s electoral process.
However, authorities have not officially announced a postponement of the Guinea-Bissau elections.
Electoral commission raises concerns over December vote
Guinea-Bissau’s National Electoral Commission has warned that the necessary conditions are not in place to organise presidential and legislative elections as scheduled.
According to Africanews, citing the Associated Press, the commission’s assessment has raised doubts about whether voting can proceed in December.
The country continues to face political and security tensions following the military takeover in November 2025.
However, no formal decision has been announced to delay the elections.
The uncertainty adds pressure on the transitional authorities to clarify how and when the country will return to civilian government.
Senegal calls for political restrictions to be lifted
Senegal has called on Guinea-Bissau’s military leadership to remove restrictions affecting political and civil activities.
Dakar is mediating on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has been working to support a transition back to civilian rule.
Senegalese authorities stressed that any changes to the electoral calendar must follow an inclusive and transparent process.
They also called for clear guarantees that the transition would lead to the restoration of civilian government.
Meanwhile, Senegal has encouraged political actors and military leaders to engage in constructive dialogue.
Dakar urged all sides to exercise restraint and prioritise Guinea-Bissau’s national interests.
Guinea-Bissau remains under military rule
Guinea-Bissau has been under military control since November 2025.
Soldiers removed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and suspended the electoral process shortly before provisional election results were expected.
The takeover interrupted the country’s political transition and created further uncertainty over its democratic institutions.
Since then, regional diplomatic efforts have focused on restoring constitutional governance.
However, continuing political and security tensions have complicated preparations for new elections.
The military authorities remain responsible for overseeing the transition.
ECOWAS seeks a return to civilian government
ECOWAS has been involved in diplomatic efforts to address Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis.
Senegal’s mediation forms part of those regional efforts.
The bloc has emphasised the importance of an inclusive political process and a credible return to civilian rule.
The uncertainty surrounding the Guinea-Bissau elections now raises questions about whether the transitional authorities can meet the planned December timetable.
Any proposed changes could become a significant issue for negotiations between military leaders, political parties and regional mediators.
For now, the electoral commission’s warning does not amount to an official postponement.
However, it highlights the challenges facing Guinea-Bissau as the country attempts to organise elections under military rule.