afrol News, 8 August - Guinea Bissau is under a makeshift government following Wednesday passage of decree to appoint Carlos Correira as caretaker prime minister, by president Joao Bernardo Vierra who has also dissolved parliament four months before elections set for 16 November.

Mr Vierra said he took a decision after consultation with main political party and civil society, further saying dissolution decision was meant to help resolve current political crisis in his country.

Guinea Bissau government, formed by three main political parties last year was meant to bring stability in historical politically unbalanced West African country.

Media reports said that collapse of government was brought about by withdrawal from ruling coalition last month of African Party for Independence of Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which controlled 45 seats in Guinea-Bissau's 100 member parliament.

PAIGC is reported to have abandoned coalition pact in protest of numerous sacking of its nominees' senior government officials unilaterally by prime minister.

According to political observers, November polls will be test for Guinea-Bissau's attempt to restore stability after years of crises, coups and uprisings since independence from Portugal in 1974.

Dissolution of parliament by present Vierra is said to have brought additional tensions to already souring political relations believed to have been brought about a surge of Latin American drug smugglers who have turned Guinea Bissau into a drug hub by taking advantage of a long, unprotected coastline and corrupt local officials.

Mr Vieira has ruled Guinea-Bissau for nearly 20 years before he was overthrown in a 1998-1999 civil war. He returned from exile to win a controversial election in 2005, two years after soldiers overthrew his predecessor but has not enjoyed a merry relationship with parties in his coalition government.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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