What You Need to Know
• Provisional results from Guinea-Bissau’s electoral commission indicate that 70% of voters supported constitutional changes.
• The new constitution enhances presidential powers while reducing parliamentary seats from 102 to 65.
• The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) opposed the referendum, urging a boycott.
On Sunday, Guinea-Bissau’s electoral commission announced that 70% of voters approved changes to the constitution, while 30% opposed them, with a turnout of nearly 60%. The new constitution shifts power from the prime minister to the president, granting the latter greater control over the government. Although the five-year presidential term and two-term limit remain unchanged, the number of parliamentary seats will decrease from 102 to 65, and the number of electoral constituencies will be reduced from 29 to 12. The changes come ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December, which military authorities claim aim to restore civilian governance. However, the main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, criticized the referendum, warning it could concentrate too much power in the presidency. Some activists alleged that the referendum was a formality, claiming that 90% of registered voters did not participate.
Why It Matters
The constitutional changes in Guinea-Bissau are significant as they reflect ongoing tensions between military authorities and political parties in a country that has experienced frequent instability. The military seized power in November 2025 following a disputed election, adding to a trend of military coups in West and Central Africa. The opposition party’s boycott and claims of low voter participation highlight concerns over the legitimacy of the referendum process and the potential erosion of democratic principles. These developments may impact the upcoming elections and the future political landscape in Guinea-Bissau.
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