Summary
Armed men in Guinea-Bissau took control of the electoral commission's office, seizing and destroying election materials. This led to the cancellation of the November 23 presidential election results. Military officers have taken power, suspending the election process and placing Major-General Horta Inta-A as the transitional president.
Key Facts
- Armed men seized election materials, including ballots and computers, from Guinea-Bissau's electoral commission.
- The military seized power on November 26, one day before the planned announcement of election results.
- Major-General Horta Inta-A was named the transitional president on November 27.
- The military has banned demonstrations and strikes and formed a new 28-member cabinet.
- The two main presidential candidates, Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Fernando Dias da Costa, both claimed victory before results were to be announced.
- ECOWAS, a regional group, is pressuring the military to restore constitutional rule and complete the election process.
- A meeting by ECOWAS leaders to discuss the situation is scheduled for December 14.
