Guinea-Bissau referendum nods to expansion of presidential powers

By AFP and Reuters. Published On 1 Sep 20261 Sep 2026.

Key points

• A referendum in Guinea-Bissau has approved a new constitution that will significantly growth the power of the president.
• Although the electoral commission documented a turnout of close to 60 percent of eligible voters, international news agencies had noted that polling stations were largely empty.
• Nevertheless, the vote has been denounced by the main opposition party, PAIGC, and civil society groups.
• Under the new rules, the president will be able to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet.
• The president will additionally be able to create and abolish ministries and dissolve parliament under certain conditions.

Notably, a referendum in Guinea-Bissau has approved a new constitution that will significantly growth the power of the president.

Meanwhile, the National Electoral Commission remarked on Tuesday that 70 percent of votes cast last week were in favour of the changes, with the turnout at almost 60 percent.

For context, the referendum, proposed by the military administration. It seized power in a coup in November last year, took place shortly ahead of a general election at the end of the year, which is aimed at returning the country to civilian rule.

Nevertheless, the vote has been denounced by the main opposition party, PAIGC, and civil society groups. It argue that it threatens Guinea-Bissau's transition back to democracy.

When the presidency and parliamentary seats will be on the ballot, the military rulers say the changes are aimed at stabilising key state institutions ahead of December's vote.

Under the new rules, the president will be able to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet. It significantly weakens the country's power-sharing system.

For context, the president will additionally be able to create and abolish ministries and dissolve parliament under certain conditions. At present, the prime minister oversees day-to-day affairs and is elected by parliament.

While the number of electoral constituencies will be cut by more than half, from 29 to 12, the number of parliamentary seats will additionally be reduced from 102 to 65.

Although the electoral commission documented a turnout of close to 60 percent of eligible voters, international news agencies had noted that polling stations were largely empty. PAIGC had called on individuals to boycott the referendum.

Critics accuse the military administration of attempting to concentrate power, allowing the country's rulers to reshape the political system in their favour ahead of the elections in December.

In practice, the fears are grounded in a rash of military takeovers in the region. West and Central Africa have seen nine coups since 2020, with military leaders insisting their actions were motivated by deteriorating security and the urge to protect democracy.

In short, guinea-Bissau referendum nods to expansion of presidential powers is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.