**Vote Count Underway in Guinea-Bissau Referendum on Presidential Power**
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau – The vote count has commenced following a crucial referendum held on August 30, 2026, which seeks to amend the country's constitution and potentially enhance the powers of the presidency. This referendum is a significant step in Guinea-Bissau's political landscape, occurring in the wake of a military coup that took place less than ten months prior.
According to Idrissa Djalo, the executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, voter turnout for the referendum exceeded 55 percent, and the polling process was reported to have occurred without any incidents that could compromise the integrity of the vote. Djalo provided these updates during a news briefing shortly after the polls closed. The official results of the referendum are anticipated to be released on Tuesday.
The referendum is centered on a proposed constitutional reform that would transition Guinea-Bissau from a parliamentary system to a presidential one. This change would eliminate the current practice of appointing prime ministers from the parliamentary majority, a system that has historically led to contentious power-sharing arrangements. Under the proposed new constitution, the president would gain the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and other government members, as well as dissolve parliament.
Voters were presented with a straightforward question: “Do you agree with the entry into force of the new constitution approved by the National Transitional Council?” The outcome of this referendum is seen as pivotal for the future governance of Guinea-Bissau, especially with presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6, 2026. These elections are intended to restore civilian rule after the military's assumption of power.
General Horta Inta-A Na Man, the transitional president and military leader, cast his ballot at a local polling station and expressed hopes that the referendum would pave the way for a more stable political environment. "What we want after this referendum is to allow whoever wins the elections to see out their mandate without hindrance," he stated. It is important to note that under the transitional charter he currently upholds, Inta-A Na Man is prohibited from participating in the upcoming elections.
The backdrop to this referendum includes a history of political instability in Guinea-Bissau, highlighted by the chaotic November 2025 presidential election, during which both leading candidates claimed victory and accused one another of electoral fraud. This turmoil culminated in the military coup that followed just a day later, prompting the transitional government to assert its commitment to stabilizing the nation's institutions.
As the counting of votes progresses, the implications of the referendum could have lasting effects on the governance and political dynamics of Guinea-Bissau, a nation that has faced numerous challenges in establishing a stable and effective government. The outcome will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally, as stakeholders await the results that could redefine the country's political framework.