The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) has declared Guinea-Bissau’s presidential and legislative elections peaceful, orderly, and professionally conducted, despite some initial organisational hiccups.

In its preliminary declaration released on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, the 135-member mission noted that the electoral process from opening to counting was largely smooth, though it highlighted concerns including the absence of security personnel at nearly 19% of polling stations observed.

The mission, led by former Ghanaian National Security Advisor Ambassador Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, reported that 88.4% of polling stations opened on time. Delays, largely in Bissau, were attributed to organisational issues rather than the late arrival of materials.

While the voting process was rated “Good” or “Excellent” in over 97% of the 859 stations observed, the mission flagged that only the agents of the two main contenders – incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and independent candidate Fernando Diaz da Costa – were widely present.

The mission urged all political actors to refrain from announcing uncertified results and called on the National Electoral Commission (CNE) to release official results diligently to avoid tensions.

The polls, held on 23 November, were conducted against a backdrop of pre-election instability, including the disqualification of a major opposition coalition and alleged coup attempts.

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