Fernando Dias, the main opposition candidate in Guinea-Bissau’s presidential election, has declared victory, claiming to have won more than 50% of the vote and avoiding a second round.
Dias, 47, leader of the Party for Social Renewal, gained traction after securing the backing of former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, the PAIGC leader who came second in the disputed 2019 presidential election.
Dias is challenging incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, 53, an ex-army general seeking re-election. Analysts predicted a tight contest between the two.
The election saw a high turnout of over 65%, with provisional results expected on Thursday.
The outcome is uncertain, with the National Electoral Commission expected to announce official results soon.
The election has been marked by controversy, with the PAIGC, the party that led Guinea-Bissau’s fight for independence, excluded from the poll for the first time.
