The tiny West African state of Guinea-Bissau has taken a significant step in its political journey with the approval of a new constitution that expands presidential powers. This development comes ahead of crucial elections scheduled for December, which many hope will bring stability to a nation with a history of political turbulence.
The referendum, held on Sunday, saw an estimated 544,060 people casting their votes, with a reported turnout of over 55%. Provisional results indicate that 70% of voters approved the sweeping changes, marking the first constitutional amendment since revisions that ended the one-party socialist state more than three decades ago.
Key changes and their implications
The new constitution introduces several notable changes. It reduces the number of seats in parliament from 102 to 65 and cuts electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. Additionally, it requires presidential candidates to have lived continuously in the country for at least five years before the vote, a provision believed to target diaspora-based politicians with significant followings.
One of the most contentious changes is the expansion of presidential powers. The president will now have the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government ministers, as well as dissolve parliament under certain conditions. Supporters argue that these changes will bring stability to the impoverished nation, while critics warn of a potential concentration of power that could undermine democratic institutions.
The path to the referendum
The referendum’s outcome is expected to pave the way for December’s elections, which many hope will steady the political landscape in Guinea-Bissau. The country has a history of political instability, with at least 10 coup attempts since its declaration of independence from Portugal was globally recognized in 1974. Half of these attempts have been successful.
The most recent coup occurred after last November’s disputed presidential elections. Both candidates declared themselves winners, citing electoral malpractice by the other’s camp. The military forcefully intervened, setting up a transitional ruling council headed by Gen Horta Inta-A Na Man a former military chief of general staff.
Na Man expressed the council’s intention to allow whoever wins the elections to see out their mandate without hindrance. Nelson Moreira, the second vice-president of the transitional council, stated that the outgoing constitution, which came into effect in 1993, had often been cited as the cause of instability in Guinea.
Opposition and controversy
The leading opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) which was barred from fielding a presidential candidate in the 2025 election, had asked its supporters to boycott the referendum, which it called a democratic farce.
Domingos Simões Pereira, the leader of the PAIGC, had said, What will happen on 30 August is the continuation of the coup d’état carried out on 26 November. The opposition maintains that the referendum has no legal basis because it was organized by institutions created after the military coup.
Fernando Dias Costa, the main challenger to then-President Umaro Sissoco Embalo in the presidential election that was annulled by the military, disputed the official turnout figures. He noted that the people have sent an important message that must not be ignored, stating, They are not prepared to simply accept political changes that are clearly unconstitutional and have not been publicly debated.
The referendum in Guinea-Bissau reflects a broader trend across parts of Africa, where constitutional reforms have sparked debate over the concentration of presidential power. In recent years, countries including Togo, Chad, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Guinea have seen leaders pursue constitutional changes that critics say strengthen executive authority.
Despite the Yes vote, opposition and civil society groups continue to challenge the legitimacy of the process. The referendum also takes place against a backdrop of longstanding political instability. Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated coups and attempted coups since independence, contributing to recurring periods of political instability.
The December elections are intended to mark the return to civilian rule. However, opposition criticism of Sunday’s referendum has raised further questions about how difficult that transition may be. A key point of contention is whether the new constitutional order will strengthen democratic institutions or concentrate more power in the presidency.
