What You Need to Know
• A referendum in Guinea-Bissau approved a new constitution, granting significant powers to the president.
• The National Electoral Commission reported that 70 percent of voters supported the changes with a turnout of nearly 60 percent.
• The new constitution allows the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, weakening power-sharing.
A referendum in Guinea-Bissau has resulted in the approval of a new constitution that significantly enhances presidential authority. The National Electoral Commission announced on September 1, 2026, that 70 percent of voters supported the constitutional changes, with an estimated turnout of almost 60 percent. This referendum was initiated by the military government that took power in a coup in November 2025, shortly before a general election scheduled for December 2026 aimed at restoring civilian governance. The main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), along with civil society groups, has condemned the vote, arguing it undermines the country’s democratic transition. Under the new rules, the president will gain the ability to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, which diminishes the existing power-sharing framework.
Why It Matters
This constitutional change in Guinea-Bissau is significant as it reflects the military government’s efforts to consolidate power ahead of upcoming elections. The military rulers assert that these changes are necessary for stabilizing state institutions, but critics fear it could jeopardize the country’s return to democracy. This situation is part of a broader trend in West and Central Africa, where there have been nine military coups since 2020, often justified by leaders as necessary for security and democratic protection. The outcome of this referendum may have lasting implications for Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape and its democratic future.
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