Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, held its first constitutional referendum since ending one-party socialist rule more than three decades ago. Preliminary results show roughly 70% of voters supported sweeping changes aimed at enhancing presidential powers, according to officials.
The referendum took place on Sunday with turnout exceeding 55%, equivalent to about 544,060 people. The new constitution reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and cuts electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. Additionally, new rules require presidential candidates to have resided continuously in Guinea-Bissau for at least five years before election day. This move is seen as targeting politicians living abroad who retain significant support bases.
The referendum outcome is expected to pave the way for general elections in December, an event many hope will stabilize the political situation in Guinea-Bissau, which has experienced multiple periods of turmoil since gaining internationally recognized independence in 1974. The country has witnessed at least 10 coups, half of which succeeded.
The most recent crisis followed the contentious presidential election in November last year. Both candidates declared victory and accused the other of fraud. The military intervened, establishing a transitional council led by General Horta Inta-A Na Man, a former chief of staff.
Speaking after the referendum, Na Man said: "What we hope for after this referendum is that anyone who wins the election can complete their term without hindrance."
Meanwhile, Nelson Moreira, second vice-president of the transitional council, noted that the current constitution, in force since 1993, was often regarded as "a cause of instability in Guinea-Bissau."
The main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which was barred from fielding a presidential candidate in the 2025 election, called on supporters to boycott the referendum, labeling it "a democratic farce." Party leader Domingos Simões Pereira declared: "What happened on 30 August is a continuation of the 26 November coup."
