Guinea-Bissau voters approve new constitution expanding presidential powers

Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution, with 70% of provisional results indicating support for significant changes. This constitutional amendment, the first in over three decades, expands presidential powers and reduces parliamentary seats from 102 to 65, with constituencies cut from 29 to 12. New rules require presidential candidates to have resided in the country for at least five continuous years prior to the vote. The referendum, with over 55% turnout, aims to stabilize the nation's political landscape ahead of December elections, following a history of instability and coup attempts. The leading opposition party boycotted the vote, calling it a democratic farce.

Guinea-Bissau has approved a new constitution through a referendum, following last year's coup and ahead of a planned return to civilian rule. The reforms significantly strengthen the president's powers at the expense of the prime minister, shifting the balance in the semi-presidential system. Previously, the legislature appointed the prime minister, but the new constitution grants the president greater authority over the government. The military authorities stated these changes are necessary to address political instability caused by disputes between presidents and prime ministers. The constitution also reduces the number of parliamentary seats and electoral constituencies, and introduces new eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. These changes precede presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December.

Guinea-Bissau has approved a new constitution through a referendum, with 70 percent of voters favoring the changes. The referendum, proposed by the military government that seized power in November, will significantly expand presidential powers. Under the new rules, the president can appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create and abolish ministries, and dissolve parliament under certain conditions, weakening the current power-sharing system. The number of parliamentary seats will also be reduced. The military rulers state the changes aim to stabilize institutions ahead of the December general election, intended to return the country to civilian rule. However, the main opposition party and civil society groups have denounced the vote, arguing it jeopardizes the democratic transition.

Guinea-Bissau voters have approved constitutional changes that expand presidential powers and reduce the size of the legislature. The referendum, held last Sunday, saw 70% of voters support the amendments, which weaken the prime minister's role and decrease legislative seats from 102 to 65. These changes aim to address political instability, according to the ruling military government, and precede general elections in December. Opposition parties had called for a boycott, arguing the changes would excessively empower the president. This vote follows a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau last November amid regional instability marked by several coups since 2020.

Guinea-Bissau is holding a referendum on a new constitution that would significantly increase presidential powers. Military leaders, who seized power in a coup ten months ago, state the referendum aims to stabilize future civilian governments before upcoming elections on December 6th. Citizens voted "yes" or "no" on a constitution that would shift the country from a parliamentary to a presidential system, allowing the head of state to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government, and dissolve parliament. The National Electoral Commission reported turnout exceeded 55 percent and the vote proceeded without incident. Results are expected on Tuesday.

Guinea-Bissau is holding a referendum on Sunday to decide whether to grant expanded presidential powers ahead of the December general election. The vote follows a military coup in November of the previous year. If approved, the proposed constitution, drafted by the National Transitional Council, would increase presidential authority and reduce the number of parliamentary seats. Authorities claim these changes will streamline governance and resolve conflicts between the president and prime minister. However, opposition groups are urging a boycott, arguing the referendum consolidates power within the military government and risks political instability. Citizens express mixed views, with some questioning the legitimacy of the transitional government to amend the constitution and others unfamiliar with its contents.

Guinea-Bissau is holding a referendum on August 30 to vote on a new constitution that would significantly strengthen the presidency. The proposed changes, approved by the National Transitional Council following a November 2025 military coup, would shift the country from a semi-presidential to a more presidential system, granting the president greater executive authority. Critics argue this concentrates too much power, while supporters believe it will reduce political instability. The new constitution would also reshape parliament and introduce new requirements for presidential candidates. The referendum's outcome will determine the framework for the country's return to elected government in the December 6 elections.