Bissau: Gunfire near the election commission building in Guinea Bissau has escalated into a full military takeover, adding new uncertainty to the country’s already tense presidential election. Witnesses reported sustained gunfire near key government sites including the election commission headquarters, the presidential palace and the interior ministry on Tuesday. The shooting stopped after a few hours and there were no confirmed reports of casualties.

The election had been tightly contested between President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa. Both sides claimed early victory in the polls even before the official results were finalized. The vote itself had already drawn criticism after the long standing political party PAIGC was disqualified due to late paperwork.

Soon after the shooting stopped a group of military officers appeared on national television announcing that they had taken control of the country. The officers said they formed a new governing body called the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order. They declared the borders closed imposed a night curfew and suspended the election process.

President Embaló later said that he had been removed from power. Several key individuals including opposition members security officials and members of the election commission were reportedly taken into custody by the military. The officers accused unnamed politicians and foreign criminal groups of trying to influence the election saying their actions were meant to protect the nation.

The international community reacted quickly. Portugal which was Guinea Bissau’s former colonial ruler called for calm and urged that vote counting continue. The African Union and West African regional bloc ECOWAS also expressed concern and asked authorities to release detained officials and respect democratic process.

Guinea Bissau has faced repeated political crises and attempted coups since gaining independence in 1974. Many analysts say deep political rivalries and the country’s role as a transit point for drug trafficking have contributed to ongoing instability.

For now the capital remains tense with residents unsure what will happen next. The final results of the presidential election remain unknown and there is no clear timeline for when political order might be restored.