Guinea‑Bissau Approves Constitution That Gives President Wider Power
In a nationwide vote held on Sunday, Guinea‑Bissau’s electorate supported a new constitution that dramatically increases the president’s prerogatives, paving the way for a general election later this year.
The referendum was organised by the military junta that seized power last November following a disputed election. Voters agreed to reforms that allow the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, and dissolve parliament if a “grave political crisis” arises.
The main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), boycotted the poll, arguing the process lacked sufficient political safeguards and threatened a democratic transition.
Guinea‑Bissau, one of the world’s poorest nations, has experienced nine coups since 1974 and has been dubbed a “narco‑state” by the UN, owing to its porous coastline that facilitates drug trafficking.
Preliminary results show 70 % of voters endorsed the changes, with a turnout near 60 %. The new charter keeps the five‑year presidential term and two‑term limit, but reduces parliament from 102 seats to 65 and cuts electoral districts from 29 to 12.
Provisions also set a new residency requirement for presidential candidates, demanding continuous residence in Guinea‑Bissau for five years before election day.
The junta justifies the amendments as necessary to quell repeated conflicts between presidents and prime ministers, but critics warn it concentrates too much power in the president’s hands, risking authoritarianism.
Regional bodies like ECOWAS have urged intervention, citing rules that prohibit constitutional changes within six months of an election. Analysis from political experts suggests the referendum may be a formality to cement the junta’s control ahead of the 2026 December elections.
As Guinea‑Bissau heads toward its scheduled elections, the international community will watch closely to see whether these constitutional shifts bring lasting stability or deepen authoritarian governance.
