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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Election Observation Mission observes peaceful, orderly and transparent election day in Bissau
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The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), led by Ambassador Issufu Baba Braimah Kamara, observed a calm, orderly and transparent voting process during the opening and closing of polling stations observed in Bissau. The Mission deployed a high-level delegation across key locations to assess procedural compliance, operational readiness, the presence of party agents and the early participation of voters. Initial findings reflected confidence in the conduct of the polls and reaffirmed ECOWAS' sustained commitment to strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity in Guinea-Bissau.
The observation process began with an internal coordination session with all observers, during which Ambassador Kamara underlined the regional mandate guiding ECOWAS observation work, emphasising impartiality, methodological precision and adherence to international standards. Senior officials presented included H.E. Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS); Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, ECOWAS Resident Representative; Ambassador Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, ECOWAS Permanent Representative; Hon. Edwin Snowe, Member of the ECOWAS Parliament; and Mr. Serigne M. Ka, Head of the Electoral Assistance Division.
On Election Day, the Head of Mission and team visited Escola Patrice Lumumba in Chão de Papel, where the Mission verified the availability of election materials, the setup of ballot boxes, the presence of party agents, and compliance with opening procedures. The environment was calm, with polling staff demonstrating professionalism and confidence.
The second stop in Praça/Bairro Setembro focused on the consistency of voter identification procedures, queue management and the early flow of voters. Party agents representing different political formations were visibly active, and cooperation between electoral officials and security personnel remained constructive and non-intrusive.
A third observation followed at Casa de Carfa M'baque in Bairro Militar, where the Mission confirmed timely opening, full availability of materials and encouraging early voter turnout. Accessibility and procedural integrity were assessed positively, with no disruptions recorded.
The delegation subsequently convened in the ECOWAS Situation Room for a strategic analytical briefing that integrated real-time updates from long- and short-term observers nationwide.
In the afternoon, the Mission returned to Escola Patrice Lumumba to observe the final stages of voting, including the conclusion of polling and the transition directly into the counting process. ECOWAS observers witnessed the opening of the ballot box for tallying, followed by the systematic sorting, verification and counting of ballots in the full presence of party agents, electoral staff and security personnel. The exercise was conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures, with each step clearly announced and visible to all accredited stakeholders. Polling officials demonstrated professionalism, composure, and strict adherence to the legal framework, contributing to an atmosphere of trust and reinforcing the credibility of the results management phase.
Across all locations observed, the Mission noted strong civic engagement by voters, disciplined conduct by polling officials and a security environment conducive to inclusive and credible participation. These observations will feed into the Mission's Preliminary Statement and reflect ECOWAS' commitment to fostering democratic consolidation and institutional stability in Guinea-Bissau.
According to data provided by the national electoral authorities, 966,152 registered voters were eligible to participate in the election. The presidential ballot featured 12 candidates, competing across 29 electoral districts and 11 regions nationwide. The ECOWAS monitoring dashboard received 43 validated opening reports and 669 voting-process updates, demonstrating extensive geographic coverage and intense observer presence across the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) intenfies high-level engagements ahead of Guinea-Bissau’s general elections
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The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau undertook a full day of political, diplomatic and technical engagements as part of its preparations for the country's Presidential and Legislative Elections scheduled for 23 November 2025.
Led by the Head of Mission, Ambassador Issufu Baba Braimah Kamara, and supported by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Mission continued its consultations with national authorities and electoral stakeholders to assess the country's state of readiness for the polls.
The assessment began with an internal briefing by the technical team to the Head of Mission, during which updates were provided on the medium-term observers deployed across the country since 14th November. The session also reviewed operational preparedness, early voting arrangements for security forces, and the broader political and security environment.
The delegation then proceeded to the Presidential Palace for a courtesy call on H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who welcomed the Mission and expressed confidence in the conduct of the upcoming elections.
On his part, Ambassador Kamara outlined the mandate and scope of the EOM, reaffirming ECOWAS' long-standing commitment to supporting democratic consolidation in Guinea-Bissau.
The Mission also had an exchange with the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) Observation Mission, enabling both organisations to share insights on the competitiveness of the electoral landscape and the functioning of electoral institutions.
In the early afternoon, the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Guinea Bissau, Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje convened a plenary session to welcome the 120 short-term observers arriving for deployment. Addressing the observers, Commissioner Musah highlighting the importance of professionalism, impartiality and preventive diplomacy. Ambassador Kamara who formally opened the Mission, urged observers to adhere strictly to ECOWAS' methodology and code of conduct.
The delegation later visited the National Election Commission (CNE) for substantive consultation with Acting Chairman N'Pabi Cabi. The CNE provided an update on the legal, logistical and administrative preparations, including regional readiness and coordination mechanisms for results management. ECOWAS reaffirmed the centrality of the CNE in guaranteeing transparency and credibility and encouraged the consolidation of institutional safeguards ahead of election day.
The Head of Mission also received a delegation led by Mr. Geraldo Martins, representing independent presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa. The meeting provided an opportunity to hear the candidate's perspectives on the political environment and the ongoing preparations for the polls, enriching the Mission's broader assessment of stakeholder confidence in the electoral process.
The Mission is deployed under the authority of ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray and in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Consultations with political actors, civil society, security institutions and international partners will continue as the Mission prepares to deploy observers nationwide.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).