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

Voters in Guinea-Bissau have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that significantly increases the powers of the presidency, according to provisional results released by the national electoral commission. The approval comes just months after a disputed presidential election triggered a military coup and set the stage for upcoming December elections. The referendum saw 70% of participants endorse the proposed changes, with a reported turnout of nearly 60%. The new document reduces the size of parliament from 102 to 65 members and cuts the number of electoral districts from 29 to 12. It also imposes stricter residency requirements for presidential candidates, mandating continuous residence in the country for at least five years prior to an election. The new constitution grants the president the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, establish or eliminate ministries, and dissolve parliament during times of severe political crisis. These changes shift the balance of power within the semi-presidential system, giving the executive branch greater control over governance structures. The military-backed government, which took power in late November following the disputed election, argues these amendments are essential to prevent future conflicts between the president and prime minister, a recurring issue under the previous constitutional framework. The ruling military authorities claim the revised constitution will provide stability and ensure that the winner of the December elections can complete their term without interference. General Horta Inta-A Na Man, head of the transitional ruling council, stated the goal is to enable the elected official to serve their full mandate unimpeded. Nelson Moreira, the second vice-president of the transitional council, noted that the existing constitution, enacted in 1993, had frequently been blamed for contributing to the country’s political instability. Opposition groups, however, view the new constitution as a threat to democratic principles. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), the largest opposition party, called the referendum a "democratic farce" and urged its supporters to boycott the vote. PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira described the approval of the new constitution as a continuation of the November coup, warning that it risks consolidating excessive power in the presidency. The party was excluded from participating in the 2025 presidential election, further fueling concerns about its influence being diminished. Guinea-Bissau has long struggled with political instability, marked by at least nine attempted and successful coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The country’s history includes numerous transitions between civilian and military rule, often triggered by disputes over election outcomes or governance. The latest upheaval followed the November election, in which both President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory, prompting the military to intervene and declare a state of emergency. The junta attributed its actions to a conspiracy involving unnamed politicians and a powerful drug trafficker. The United Nations has previously labeled Guinea-Bissau a "narco-state," highlighting the role of its vast, sparsely populated coastline in facilitating drug trafficking. This designation underscores the complex challenges facing the nation, where political instability often intersects with economic vulnerabilities and security threats. Despite these difficulties, the military authorities insist that the upcoming December elections represent a critical step toward restoring civilian governance. Activists and some observers question the legitimacy of the referendum, suggesting that the high approval rate may not reflect genuine public sentiment. Some reports indicate that less than 10% of registered voters participated, casting doubt on the authenticity of the results. Nevertheless, the military-backed government remains committed to proceeding with the planned elections, viewing them as a means to legitimize the new constitutional order and transfer power back to civilian hands. With the new constitution in place, the December elections will serve as a pivotal moment for Guinea-Bissau’s political trajectory. The extent to which the expanded presidential powers will shape the nation’s future remains uncertain, but the outcome of the vote will undoubtedly influence the direction of governance in the coming years.