In Guinea-Bissau, political tensions are rising after the Supreme Court disqualified opposition leader Domingo Simoes Pereira from contesting the November 30, 2025 presidential election.

Pereira, who leads the PAIGC party, was deemed ineligible due to the late submission of his candidacy documents. This unprecedented decision marks the first time the PAIGC will be absent from a presidential race in the country’s history.

Analysts say the situation exposes internal weaknesses within the opposition, suggesting that appointing a successor to Pereira earlier could have prevented the setback.

Journalist and political analyst Allen Yéro Mballo noted that the decision could reshape Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape ahead of the polls.