Ballot counting is currently taking place in Guinea-Bissau for a referendum that may significantly enhance the powers of the presidency. Citizens voted on Sunday on a proposed new constitution aimed at reforming the political system ahead of elections scheduled for later this year. Turnout was reported to exceed 55 percent, and the National Electoral Commission's executive secretary, Idrissa Djalo, stated that the polling occurred without incidents that could undermine the vote's credibility.
This referendum follows a military coup that occurred less than ten months ago. The military government claims that the referendum is part of efforts to stabilize governmental institutions prior to the presidential and parliamentary elections set for December 6, which are intended to restore power to a civilian government.
The proposed constitution would transition Guinea-Bissau from a parliamentary system to a presidential one, eliminating the current system where prime ministers are drawn from the parliamentary majority, which has historically resulted in contentious power-sharing arrangements. Under the new system, the president would gain the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and other government members, as well as dissolve parliament.
Voters were asked to respond with “yes” or “no” to the question: “Do you agree with the entry into force of the new constitution approved by the National Transitional Council?” Military leader and transitional President General Horta Inta-A Na Man stated, “What we want after this referendum is to allow whoever wins the elections to see out their mandate without hindrance.” It is noted that Inta-A Na Man is prohibited from running in the upcoming elections under the transitional charter he currently upholds.
This referendum occurs in the context of ongoing political instability in Guinea-Bissau, highlighted by the November 2025 presidential election, where both candidates claimed victory and accused each other of electoral interference, leading to the coup the following day.