Guinea-Bissau 2009

I briefly posted some stuff on the Guinea-Bissau presidential elections last week or so, covering mostly the first round of the ‘special’ presidential elections held in the small West African country of Guinea-Bissau. Former Acting President (1999-2000) Malam Bacai Sanhá of the left-wing African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) was elected President over Kumba Ialá of the opposition centre-left Party for Social Renewal (PRS). Sanhá had received the support of most small candidates, though the main kingmaker was the Independent Henrique Rosa (24%) did not make an endorsement. In addition, former President Ialá is often held responsible for the dire state of the poor country’s economy – dependent on cashew nuts (and it also serves as a hub for drug trafficking).

Malam Bacai Sanhá (PAIGC) 63.52%
Kumba Ialá (PRS) 36.48%

Turnout was around 61% out of the 600,000 registered voters.

In a good sign for a country prone to military coups and disturbances following fake elections (this election, however, was not faked), Ialá conceded defeat and President-elect Sanhá claimed that he was willing to work with his rival, and also granted Ialá (former President) personal security, a protocol service and private transport. And since that’s probably all he cares about, Ialá was happy to accept this little gift.