Malam Bacai Sanhá
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Malam Bacai Sanhá (born 5 May 1947) is a Guinea-Bissau politician and former acting President. He held that post from 14 May 1999 to 17 February 2000.
A long-time member of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), Sanhá served as governor of the Gabú and Bafatá regions and held several cabinet ministries before becoming speaker of the National People's Assembly in 1994. Following a devastating Civil War and the ouster of the elected President João Bernardo Vieira, he was appointed acting president in accordance with the constitution until new elections were held.
In the first round of presidential elections, held on 28 November 1999, Sanhá finished second with 23.37% of the vote. In the run-off, held on 16 January 2000, he won only 28.0% of the vote against Kumba Ialá's 72.0%.[1]
Following a 2003 military coup that ousted Ialá and a period of transitional rule, new presidential elections were held on 19 June 2005 in which the three former presidents (Sanhá, Vieira and Ialá) were the main candidates. Sanhá, running again as the PAIGC candidate, finished first with 35.45% of the vote. Former head of state João Bernardo Vieira finished second with 28.87% of the vote. Despite the lead in the first round, Sanhá lost to Vieira in the run-off that took place on July 24, 2005, 47.65% to 52.35%.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Elections in Guinea-Bissau, African Elections Database.
