UNSG Annan called for more international assistance to ease transition to presidency of “Nino” Vieira. Ruling PAIGC party accepted defeat in previously disputed July presidential election 27 September.

National Electoral Commission confirmed “Nino” Vieira won July presidential elections, defeating Malam Sanha, candidate of ruling PAIGC party. Supreme Court rejected last-ditch PAIGC attempt to have results invalidated on basis of alleged irregularities; UN Security Council and Sec. Gen. Kofi Annan urged acceptance of ruling. PM Gomes Junior, president of PAIGC party, refused to recognise Vieira as president or give up his position as vice-president; Gomes travelled with defeated candidate Sanha to meet Nigerian President Obasanjo.

Former dictator ‘Nino’ Vieira won 55% of vote in presidential election with 44% for Malam Bacai Sanha. Sanha rejected result and accused National Election Commission (NEC) of failure to investigate fraud. Unidentified group attacked NEC; riots followed publication of results. EU and AU observers claimed elections fair.

Tension continued to build ahead of 19 June presidential election; EU pledged 100 election observers. Visit by regional leaders 21-22 May failed to stem confrontation fears, while arms smuggling to support civilian militias confirmed by PM Carlos Gomes. Former president Kumba Yalla declared himself still head of state, hundreds rallied in support 22 May; armed police deployed. Yalla, other former president Joao Bernardo Viera, and opposition leader Francisco Fadul cleared to stand for election by Supreme Court. Yalla pressed claim by briefly occupying presidential palace 25 May.

Growing fears of violence surrounding 19 June presidential election; 2 former presidents – Joao Bernardo Vieira and Kumba Yala – announced intention to run despite ban. Yala said would seize power if candidacy blocked. UN Secretary-General Annan appointed former Mozambique president Chissano as special envoy in attempt to defuse tension.

Following regional and international consultations new armed forces chief of staff, General Tagme Na Waie, ordered readmission of 65 senior officers purged over last 5 years. Move to provide more ethnic and political balance in army’s upper ranks, recently dominated by Balanta ethnic group.

Situation fragile after 2-day mutiny by 600 soldiers demanding payment of salary arrears and improved conditions in barracks. Two senior military officers killed, including head of armed forces, General Seabra; other officers took refuge in Western embassies. Soldiers deny having political agenda. Mediators from Portuguese-speaking nations and ECOWAS helped resolve dispute. Memorandum of understanding signed 10 October, allowing for immediate return to barracks, army reform and possible amnesty. New chief-of- staff General Wai, member of Balanta ethnic group associated with overthrown President Yala’s Social Renovation Party, chosen by mutineers and appointed by government 28 October. UN agreed to pay $2.2m in arrears to army mutineers.

Parliamentary elections held 28 March, following September 2003 coup. International observers certified that “in general the ballot took place under acceptable conditions” and that elections were free, fair and transparent. Results expected early April. Presidential election due March 2005. Former President Yala, overthrown in coup, released from house arrest 9 March, then rearrested 11 March after saying did not recognise transitional government; following election, claimed would not recognise outcome.

Parliamentary elections due 28 March, following September 2003 coup by armed forces. Five soldiers killed and 14 injured February in clashes with armed groups in region bordering Senegal.

President Henrique Rosa requests UN Security Council backing for transitional government and for assistance in paying public service wages. Election, in wake of September 2003 coup, due by March 2004.