PRESS RELEASE
Congratulatory Message on the First Round of Presidential Elections in Guinea-Bissau
The Embassy of the United States of America congratulates the people, political parties, and government of Guinea-Bissau for the successful first round of presidential elections that took place on Sunday, November 24. We commend the Bissau-Guinean civil society, National Election Commission, and security forces for their positive role in this accomplishment. We also recognize the support of the international community, including important contributions made by the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau, and the European Union, collectively known as the P5. The United States’ observation mission, comprised of more than 40 members, visited approximately 110 polling stations in seven regions of the country. The U.S. observation teams witnessed a calm, transparent, and efficient voting process and noted high voter participation, a positive atmosphere, and professional conduct of the polling staff and security forces. Although minor technical issues were reported, they did not have a material impact on the overall credibility or spirit of the electoral process. The government of the United States congratulates all those who participated in this important democratic milestone, which was a credit to the people of Guinea-Bissau.
