El referéndum de Guinea-Bissau acepta la expansión de los poderes presidenciales

Guinea-Bissau's citizens have voted in a referendum to approve a constitutional amendment that expands the powers of the president, according to the National Electoral Commission. The result shows 70 percent of voters supported the changes, with a turnout of nearly 60 percent. The referendum was held last week and marks a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape. The proposed changes, backed by the military government, aim to centralize authority within the executive branch. The new constitution allows the president to appoint and remove the prime minister and cabinet members, effectively diminishing the role of the prime minister, who previously oversaw daily governance and was elected by parliament. Additionally, the president gains the ability to create and dissolve ministries and potentially dissolve parliament under specific circumstances. These provisions significantly alter the balance of power within the government structure. The referendum came just weeks before the country's planned general election, scheduled for late December. This election is intended to restore civilian rule after the military takeover in November last year. The timing has raised concerns among critics, who view the constitutional changes as an attempt to consolidate control over the political process ahead of the polls. The ruling military authorities justify the amendments as necessary measures to stabilize key state institutions and ensure stability during the transition period. They claim the reforms will help maintain order and support the democratic process once the elections occur. However, these arguments have been met with skepticism from both the opposition and international observers. The main opposition party, PAIGC, along with various civil society organizations, has condemned the referendum. They argue that the changes threaten Guinea-Bissau's democratic progress and could undermine efforts to return to civilian governance. PAIGC had urged its supporters to boycott the vote, citing the lack of genuine democratic participation and the potential for authoritarian consolidation of power. International media reports suggest that the actual voter turnout was lower than officially stated, with many polling stations reportedly experiencing low attendance. This discrepancy has fueled further criticism of the legitimacy of the referendum outcome. Critics allege that the military government is using the referendum to manipulate the political framework in its favor, thereby influencing the upcoming elections. The broader context of regional instability adds weight to these concerns. Since 2020, West and Central Africa have witnessed nine military coups, often justified by leaders as necessary steps to address security threats and safeguard democracy. This pattern raises questions about the sustainability of democratic transitions in the region and the influence of military actors in shaping political outcomes. As the country prepares for its general election, the implications of the referendum remain uncertain. While the military leadership maintains that the changes are essential for national stability, the opposition and international community continue to monitor developments closely. The coming months will likely see heightened political activity as all sides prepare for the December elections. The outcome of this referendum and its impact on the electoral process will be critical in determining the future direction of Guinea-Bissau's political landscape.