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2w ago

Guinea-Bissau Approves Constitution That Expands Presidential Power

The referendum gives the transitional authorities the legal means to redraw parliament and election rules before the December presidential vote.

Election officials count ballots for the constitutional referendum at a polling station after voting closed in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, August 30, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
A voter casts her ballot during a referendum on granting new presidential powers, in Bissau, Guinea Bissau, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Darcicio Barbosa)
Election officials wait for voters to cast their ballots during a referendum on granting new presidential powers, in Bissau, Guinea Bissau, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Darcicio Barbosa)
Election officials sort through ballots during a referendum on granting new presidential powers in Bissau, Guinea Bissau, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Darcicio Barbosa)

Overview

  • The National Electoral Commission announced on Tuesday that provisional results showed about 70% of voters backed the new constitution while roughly 30% opposed it.
  • The measure was passed with around 544,060 ballots cast, equal to nearly 60% of registered voters, after a referendum held on Sunday.
  • The new text strengthens the presidency by allowing the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet and to dissolve parliament in a grave crisis.
  • The constitution cuts the size of parliament from 102 to 65 seats, reduces electoral constituencies from 29 to 12, and adds a five-year continuous residency requirement for presidential candidates.
  • Opposition parties led by PAIGC urged a boycott and local observers reported many empty polling stations, raising questions about the vote’s legitimacy as the military transition prepares rules for December’s election.