Statement by the Spokesperson on the political situation in Guinea Bissau
On 10 March 2019 the people of Guinea Bissau expressed their sovereign will in peaceful and orderly legislative elections which were considered free and fair. Three months later, the economic situation is critical and tensions are rising while there is still no government in place.
Pursuant to the Constitution, it is the prerogative of the President to appoint, in a timely fashion, a new Prime Minister in conformity with the electoral results. Any issue with the election of the Bureau of the National Assembly should not delay the appointment of a new Prime Minister.
As the President’s mandate comes to an end, according to the electoral law a date should also be set for the presidential election between 23 October and 25 November.
The European Union is determined to continue to constructively engage with the authorities of Guinea Bissau, in close cooperation with the P5 (UN, AU, ECOWAS, CPLP, EU), and in particular with ECOWAS, which plays a key role.