The upcoming elections in Guinea-Bissau are an important step toward building a more stable, prosperous, democratic future for the Bissau-Guinean people. As the people of Guinea-Bissau go to the polls on April 13, we call on Bissau-Guinean authorities to create an environment that allows its citizens to express their will in peaceful, credible elections. At the same time, we encourage voters to participate fully in the democratic process and to make their voices heard peacefully. The United States remains a long-standing friend of the Bissau-Guinean people. We look forward to working with Guinea-Bissau as it seeks to return to democratic rule and to achieve lasting peace in the region.