Jonathan Calls For Release Of Guinea-Bissau Presidential Election Results

Jonathan Calls for Release of Guinea-Bissau Presidential Election Results

In a dramatic turn of events following Guinea-Bissau’s recent presidential and legislative elections, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has publicly demanded the immediate release of the country’s election results.

Jonathan’s call comes after military officers seized control of the nation, suspended the electoral process, and closed its borders, sparking fears of democratic backsliding in West Africa.

Jonathan, speaking in Abuja, emphasized that both the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were present during the elections and already possess the authentic results. He insisted that these regional bodies must publish the figures to uphold transparency and integrity.

According to him, announcing the results would not only demonstrate credibility but also prevent the military from manipulating the democratic process. “They cannot force the military out, but they must let the world know who won that election. They owe the world that responsibility,” Jonathan declared.

The former president expressed deep personal concern, noting that he had invested significant effort in supporting Guinea-Bissau’s return to democratic governance. He described the situation as more painful than his own experience of conceding defeat in Nigeria’s 2015 elections.

Jonathan recalled his role in stabilizing Guinea-Bissau during his presidency and highlighted his recent participation as part of the West African Elders Forum delegation that monitored the polls. He stressed that the elections were peaceful and credible, with regional results already collated before the sudden coup declaration.

Events took a sharp turn when President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was widely expected to win, abruptly announced that a coup had taken place and claimed he had been arrested.

Jonathan, however, suggested that Embaló’s claims were questionable, as no evidence of his arrest was apparent. Shortly after, the military named General Horta N’Tam, the army’s chief of staff, as the country’s transition leader for one year.

This move effectively sidelined the democratic process and placed Guinea-Bissau under military rule.

Jonathan drew parallels with the 2010 Côte d’Ivoire post-election crisis, recalling his tenure as ECOWAS chairman when he had to confront similar instability. He urged ECOWAS leaders to show courage and firmness in Guinea-Bissau, stressing that while military intervention was unnecessary, the truth of the election results must be revealed. He warned against treating citizens as fools or playing political pranks, insisting that democracy must not be sacrificed for expediency.

The unfolding crisis in Guinea-Bissau underscores the fragile state of democracy in the region. Jonathan’s intervention highlights the importance of regional solidarity and the role of institutions like ECOWAS and the AU in safeguarding electoral integrity. His appeal is not only a call for transparency but also a reminder of the costly struggle to uphold democratic values in West Africa.