Guinea-Bissau to vote on constitution expanding presidential powers
Guinea-Bissau will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, just months after the military seized power and suspended the country’s electoral process.
Voters will decide on proposed constitutional changes that would strengthen the powers of the presidency and alter the country’s political system, ahead of presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 6, 2026.
The military took control on November 26, 2025, shortly after presidential and legislative elections had been held but before provisional results were announced. The electoral process was suspended and a transitional government led by General Horta Inta-A Na Man was established.
The proposed constitution would shift Guinea-Bissau further towards a presidential system by giving the head of state greater executive authority. Supporters of the changes argue that the reforms could reduce recurring institutional disputes between the president and prime minister and improve political stability.
But the referendum is also facing questions over its democratic legitimacy. Opposition parties and civil-society groups have criticised the military-led transition and called for a return to civilian rule. ECOWAS has also demanded the release of detained political figures, including opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira, saying that doing so would strengthen the credibility of the transition.
The timing of the vote is particularly significant. The referendum will take place less than four months before the elections, meaning the constitutional changes could establish the rules under which the next civilian government operates.
Civil society groups have also raised concerns about whether there has been enough public debate over the proposed constitution. The Guinea-Bissau League of Human Rights has argued that citizens need meaningful opportunities to examine and debate the proposed changes before voting.
The August 30 vote therefore represents a crucial test for Guinea-Bissau: whether the referendum becomes a step towards restoring civilian democratic rule or strengthens the political influence of the military authorities that currently control the country.
