Guinea-Bissau Voters Decide on Presidential Power Boost in Key Referendum

Voters in Guinea-Bissau head to the polls on August 30 to decide whether to approve a new constitution that would significantly strengthen the presidency and reshape the country’s electoral system.

The referendum comes nine months after a military coup installed General Horta Inta-A Na Man as transitional president, and just over three months before presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 6. The proposed constitution, approved by the National Transitional Council (CNT) on January 13, 2026, would replace the existing semi-presidential system with a stronger executive presidency.

Supporters of the reform argue that clearer lines of authority could reduce institutional conflicts and improve decision-making amid years of political instability. However, critics warn that the changes would concentrate too much power in the presidency, weaken parliament, and limit political representation. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), a leading opposition party, has rejected the referendum and called for a boycott.

Under the current constitution, Guinea-Bissau operates a semi-presidential system where executive authority is shared between the president and prime minister. The proposed constitution would shift substantial power to the president, including the ability to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members, chair the Council of Ministers, and create or abolish ministries. The document also reduces parliament from 102 to 65 seats, cuts electoral constituencies from 29 to 12, and sets stricter requirements for presidential candidates, including a five-year residency requirement and a 50 million West African CFA franc ($90,000) deposit. Political parties sponsoring candidates would need at least 5,000 members, with a minimum of 300 in each region.

The drafting process has drawn criticism for lacking inclusivity, as the CNT, a military-appointed body, prepared the constitution rather than an elected parliament. Opposition groups argue the process was insufficiently transparent and question whether a military-led authority should determine fundamental political rules before elected institutions are restored.

The referendum’s outcome will shape the powers of the next elected president. If approved, the December elections would take place under a framework granting the president greater authority over government. If rejected, the question of constitutional reform would remain unresolved.

Analysts say the vote is not just about adopting a new constitution but determining how power should be distributed in Guinea-Bissau’s return to elected government. A yes vote would solidify stronger presidential powers, a smaller parliament, fewer electoral constituencies, and stricter candidate requirements. A no vote would leave the existing constitutional structure in place, pending future reform efforts.

Guinea-Bissau, a small Portuguese-speaking nation on West Africa’s coast, has faced repeated coups and political crises since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The outcome of Sunday’s referendum could either stabilize the country’s governance or deepen divisions over its political future.