Guinea-Bissau counts referendum votes on presidential powers
Guinea-Bissau has begun counting votes after a constitutional referendum in which citizens decided whether to introduce a new political system with broader presidential powers. The vote took place on Sunday, August 30, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6.
As Al Jazeera English reports, turnout exceeded 55%. Idrissa Djalo, executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, said the vote proceeded without incidents that could call the credibility of the expression of will into question. Results are expected on Tuesday.
Change to the political system
The proposed constitution provides for the country’s transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system. Under the current model, the prime minister comes from the parliamentary majority, which, according to the outlet, has led to a problematic division of power.
If the new constitution is approved, the head of state will have the right to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members, as well as dissolve parliament. Voters were asked whether they agreed to the entry into force of the new constitution adopted by the National Transitional Council.
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Referendum after the military coup
The referendum took place less than ten months after the military seized power in a coup. The military leadership says the changes are intended to stabilize state institutions ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections and the transfer of power to a civilian government.
Transitional President General Horta Inta-A Na Man said the purpose of the vote is to ensure that the winner of the upcoming elections can complete their term without obstacles. Under the transitional charter, he is not entitled to run in the elections.
The political crisis was preceded by the presidential election in November 2025: both candidates declared victory and accused each other of interfering in the electoral process. The military coup occurred the following day.
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