Guinea-Bissau referendum approves new constitution that expands president's powers

The New constitution strengthens the presidency at the expense of the Prime Minister, altering the balance of power under Guinea-Bissau's Semi-presidential system.Previously, Guinea-Bissau's legislature appointed a Prime Minister from the parliamentary majority, who then formed a cabinet - an arrangement the ruling Military authorities said had contributed to political instability.The changes now give the President greater authority over the government.However, the five-year presidential term and two-term limit have been retained. The Military authorities have argued that the changes are necessary to end repeated disputes between presidents and prime ministers. The New constitution also reduces the number of seats in Parliament from 102 to 65 and cuts the number of electoral constituencies from 29 to 12.It introduces new eligibility requirements for presidential candidates, including a provision requiring them to have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau for the five years before an election.The changes come ahead of presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for December, which the Military authorities say are intended to return the country to Civilian rule.