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

What the report says

Voters in Guinea-Bissau have approved a new constitution that gives the president much greater authority, according to BBC Africa. The referendum was held under the country’s military-led transitional authorities after last year’s coup, and comes ahead of planned general elections later this year.

The changes, as reported by BBC Africa, allow the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, reorganize ministries, and dissolve parliament during a serious political crisis. The new constitution also keeps the five-year presidential term and two-term limit, but lowers the number of parliamentary seats and reduces the number of constituencies. It adds new eligibility rules for presidential candidates, including a residency requirement before an election.

Provisional results from the electoral commission showed about 70% support for the reforms, with turnout close to 60%. The main opposition party, PAIGC, boycotted the vote and argued that the process lacked safeguards and could weaken the country’s return to democracy. Some activists also questioned the level of participation. BBC Africa noted that the military says the changes are meant to reduce recurring clashes between presidents and prime ministers.

The referendum matters because Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability and repeated coups since independence in 1974. The planned December elections are being watched as a test of whether the transitional authorities will follow through on promises to restore civilian rule.