**Guinea-Bissau Referendum Approves Constitutional Changes to Expand Presidential Powers**
*Published on September 1, 2026*
In a significant political development, a recent referendum in Guinea-Bissau has resulted in the approval of a new constitution that will considerably enhance the powers of the presidency. According to the National Electoral Commission, approximately 70 percent of the votes cast in the referendum favored the constitutional amendments, with voter turnout reported at nearly 60 percent.
The referendum took place against the backdrop of a military government that assumed control following a coup in November 2025. This military regime proposed the constitutional changes as part of its strategy to stabilize state institutions ahead of a general election scheduled for December 2026, which aims to restore civilian rule in the country.
The new constitutional provisions grant the president the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members, thereby significantly undermining the existing power-sharing framework. Currently, the prime minister is elected by parliament and oversees the day-to-day operations of the government. Under the revised constitution, the president will also have the power to create and abolish ministries and dissolve parliament under specified conditions.
In addition to these changes, the proposed constitution will reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and cut the number of electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. These alterations are seen by critics as a means for the military government to consolidate its authority and reshape the political landscape in its favor ahead of the upcoming elections.
The referendum has faced strong opposition from the main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), as well as various civil society organizations. They argue that the amendments pose a serious threat to the country's transition back to democracy. The PAIGC had called for a boycott of the referendum, and reports from international news agencies indicated that many polling stations were largely empty on the day of the vote.
Critics of the military government have expressed concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of the presidency, especially in light of a troubling trend of military coups across West and Central Africa. Since 2020, the region has experienced nine coups, with military leaders often justifying their actions by citing security concerns and the need to protect democratic governance.
As Guinea-Bissau prepares for the upcoming elections, the implications of the referendum result remain uncertain. The military government asserts that the constitutional changes are necessary for stability, while opponents fear that they could further entrench military rule and hinder the restoration of democratic governance.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Guinea-Bissau as the country navigates this critical juncture in its political history. The outcome of the December elections will be pivotal in determining the future trajectory of governance and democracy in the nation.