Guinea-Bissau votes in referendum to rewrite constitution and boost presidential powers

Voters in Guinea-Bissau cast ballots Sunday in a controversial referendum aimed at rewriting the nation’s constitution to expand presidential powers ahead of planned elections to restore civilian rule. The vote, taking place under military governance following a November 2025 coup, has drawn domestic opposition and international scrutiny over its legitimacy and process.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 CET with delayed starts reported in some areas. Security was heightened in the capital, Bissau, where National Guard and police units were deployed at key junctions. Over 915,000 eligible voters are participating in the referendum, which proposes shifting Guinea-Bissau from a parliamentary to a presidential system, reducing parliament from 102 to 65 seats, and granting the president authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet.

Critics, including the opposition African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), argue the new constitution was drafted in secret by the military junta—the National Transitional Council—without consultation with political parties, civil society, or traditional leaders. The head of the Guinea-Bissau Human Rights League, Bubacar Turé, described the process as non-transparent and restrictive, noting campaigners for a “no” vote were not permitted to operate freely. “This is not an environment of freedom,” he told Euronews last week.

The military government defends the changes, asserting a smaller parliament will enable more focused debate and that stronger presidential authority will stabilize governance. However, analysts question the junta’s legitimacy to reshape the constitution. “Who drafted this constitution, and on whose behalf? Who stands to gain?” asked political analyst Paulino Quadé in remarks to the Associated Press.

Guinea-Bissau’s crisis deepened in November 2025 when the army intervened during a disputed presidential election, suspending the vote and removing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Embaló, who had earlier dissolved parliament in 2023 citing an attempted coup, was reportedly allowed to leave the country after announcing his removal. The military then installed General Horta N’Tam as transitional president under a temporary charter that bars him from running in future elections.

The referendum follows regional trends in which several African nations, including Zimbabwe and Chad, have amended constitutions to extend presidential terms or centralize executive power. Yet Guinea-Bissau, despite its significant natural wealth per capita, faces entrenched poverty and a long history of instability—five successful coups and multiple attempts since gaining independence from Portugal in 1973.

Provisional results are expected Tuesday. The vote concludes at 17:00 GMT.

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