Presidential election in chaotic Guinea-Bissau could resolve political impasse
Guinea-Bissau's President Jose Mario Vaz. Vaz will be the first democratically elected president to have completed a full term in the country of 1.6 million. PHOTO | REUTERS
After weeks of political turmoil including violent protests, an alleged coup attempt and the emergence of two competing prime ministers, Guinea-Bissau is holding a presidential election on Sunday that many hope will usher in a semblance of calm.
The vote will pit President Jose Mario Vaz against old rival and former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, and 10 other candidates seeking to draw a line under five years of turbulence under Vaz characterized by high-level sackings and a barely functioning parliament.
