Guinea-Bissau, one of West Africa's smallest countries, has set December 6, 2026, for both presidential and legislative elections, more than a year after a military coup upended its political process. The coup in late November 2025 saw the army seize power just as contested election results were about to be announced, prompting regional concern about the future of democratic rule. The transitional military leaders now say the conditions are in place for a credible vote, but questions remain about political space, civil liberties and regional involvement. With us is Austin Aigbe, Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), to unpack what this means for Guinea-Bissau and the wider region.

<p>Guinea-Bissau, one of West Africa's smallest countries, has set December 6, 2026, for both presidential and legislative elections, more than a year after a military coup upended its political process. The coup in late November 2025 saw the army seize power just as contested election results were about to be announced, prompting regional concern about the future of democratic rule. The transitional military leaders now say the conditions are in place for a credible vote, but questions remain about political space, civil liberties and regional involvement. With us is Austin Aigbe, Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), to unpack what this means for Guinea-Bissau and the wider region.</p>