What You Need to Know
• Citizens of Guinea-Bissau voted on a new constitution in a referendum held on August 30, 2026.
• Turnout for the referendum exceeded 55 percent, with no incidents reported that could undermine the vote’s credibility.
• The proposed constitution would shift Guinea-Bissau’s political system from parliamentary to presidential, enhancing presidential powers.
Ballot counting is currently underway in Guinea-Bissau following a referendum on a new constitution that could significantly enhance the powers of the presidency. On August 30, 2026, citizens participated in the vote, which aimed to reform the political system ahead of upcoming elections later this year. Idrissa Djalo, the executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, reported that voter turnout exceeded 55 percent and that the polling was conducted without any incidents questioning the vote’s integrity. The military government, which came to power following a coup less than ten months ago, stated that the referendum is intended to stabilize institutions prior to the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6, 2026.
Why It Matters
The referendum in Guinea-Bissau is significant as it follows a period of political instability, including a coup that occurred shortly after a contentious presidential election in November 2025. The proposed constitutional changes would allow the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and dissolve parliament, fundamentally altering the political landscape. This shift aims to provide a more stable governance structure, which the military government claims is necessary for a successful transition back to civilian rule. The outcome of this referendum will have lasting implications for the future of governance in Guinea-Bissau.
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