Bissau: The presidential election in Guinea Bissau remains unresolved after the national election commission said it cannot continue the vote counting process due to missing tally sheets and destroyed voting records.
The election took place on November 23 but the process was interrupted days later when armed men stormed the election commission building in Bissau and removed ballot materials and computer equipment. The commission reported that its main server and documents were damaged, making it impossible to verify or complete the results.
Gunfire was heard by nearby residents during the attack and shortly after the incident the military announced it had taken control of the country. Borders were temporarily closed and a one year transitional administration was declared under the leadership of General Horta Inta A Na Man, the chief of the armed forces.
Election officials said the missing documents and damaged systems mean they no longer have the necessary information to validate the vote. No candidate has been declared the winner and there is currently no plan for when the process may resume or whether a new election will be required.
The regional organisation ECOWAS has sent representatives to Guinea Bissau to meet with military leaders and political groups. ECOWAS has expressed concern over the suspension of the democratic process and has warned that sanctions may be considered if there is no commitment to restoring civilian rule.
Military leaders claim their actions were needed to prevent what they describe as a hidden attempt by criminal networks to influence the results. Opposition parties and civil society groups reject this explanation and accuse the army of undermining democracy.
Analysts say the country now faces a period of uncertainty as citizens wait for clarity on the future political direction and the timing of a return to constitutional governance.
Guinea Bissau has experienced repeated political instability and several attempts to overthrow governments over the past decades. International and regional observers are expected to continue monitoring developments as talks continue.