Referendum in Guinea-Bissau approves new constitution expanding presidential powers

By Thomas Naadi and Wycliffe Muia, 2 September 2026

Voters in Guinea-Bissau have approved a new constitution that significantly expands presidential powers ahead of a general election later this year.

The referendum was organised by the military government that seized power in the West African nation last November following a disputed election.

Voters have agreed to sweeping reforms allowing the president to appoint and dismiss the ​prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries and dissolve parliament in ⁠the event of a grave political crisis. [ . . . ] The new constitution strengthens the presidency at the expense of the prime minister, altering the balance of power under Guinea-Bissau’s semi-presidential system.

Previously, Guinea-Bissau’s legislature appointed a prime minister from the parliamentary majority, who then formed a cabinet – an arrangement the ruling military authorities said had contributed to political instability.

The changes now give the president greater authority over the government.
Read the full article here: BBC