Welcome!

Welcome to the Guinea-Bissau Election Tracker for the 2008 Parliamentary Election. This first post should serve as a brief political/electoral history of Guinea-Bissau leading up to this stimulating cycle.

Structure
Guinea-Bissau legislature is a proportionally represented, 100-member unicameral parliament subject to reelection every four years. The president is elected in a two round, runoff voting system once every five years. As well as appointing a prime minister, the executive has the power to dissolve parliament. Suffrage is universal for those 18 years of age and older.

Recent Uncertainty
On 25 July 2008, then Prime Minister Martinho N’Dafa Cabi (PAIGC ) removed several senior officials without consulting the PAIGC, leaders of the unity government. Following the PAIGC’s speedy withdrawal from the coalition, President João Bernardo “Nino” Vieira (I) dissolved parliament, ousted PM Cabi, and appointed Carlos Correia (I) as his replacement on 5 August. Until the 16 November elections, the standing committee of the national assembly serves in place of the legislative body.

Links:
All Africa: Guinea Bissau: Elections Fears As Unity Government Splits
Irin News: GUINEA-BISSAU: Key political events since independence
CIA Factbook: Guinea-Bissau