Guinea-Bissau Referendum to Vote on Constitution Boosting Presidential Powers

Guinea-Bissau voters will head to the polls on August 30 to decide whether to adopt a new constitution, a document that is expected to significantly strengthen the powers of the president and restructure the electoral system in this West African nation.

The referendum comes nine months after the military seized power and appointed General Horta Inta-A Na Man as interim president, just over three months before presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 6.

Supporters of the reform argue that the new constitution would bring a clearer separation of powers, helping to resolve long-standing political instability and disputes between state institutions. Critics, meanwhile, worry that the document concentrates too much power in the presidency and question the drafting process.

The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), one of the main opposition parties, has called for a boycott of the referendum.

The referendum will determine whether the constitution adopted by the National Transitional Council (CNT) officially takes effect, while also providing a framework for restoring elected civilian government.

Why is Guinea-Bissau changing its constitution?

The process began after the military coup of November 26, 2025. Presidential and legislative elections had been held three days earlier. The military seized power while vote counting was still underway, one day before the electoral commission was expected to announce the presidential results.

Horta, then the army chief of staff, became interim president. The transitional charter established the National Transitional Council (CNT), which holds legislative power during the transition period. That body approved the draft constitution on January 13, 2026.

Guinea-Bissau is a small Portuguese-speaking country on the West African coast, bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the east and south. It gained independence from Portugal in 1974 and has experienced repeated coups and political crises since then.

Under the current constitution, Guinea-Bissau operates under a semi-presidential system, with executive power shared between the president and the prime minister. The new constitution would fundamentally change this system, granting the president far greater executive authority and reducing the prime minister's role in government.

What are the main changes?

According to the draft, the president would gain more control over the government, including the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and other government members. The president would also chair the Council of Ministers and have the authority to create or abolish ministries.

The draft also reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65, cuts the number of electoral districts from 29 to 12, and introduces new requirements for presidential candidates. Specifically, candidates must have been regularly resident in Guinea-Bissau for five years before the election, and must pay a deposit of 50 million West African CFA francs (about $90,000). Political parties nominating presidential candidates must have at least 5,000 members, with a minimum of 300 in each district. Additionally, the draft establishes a Constitutional Court.

Why is the increase in presidential powers controversial?

Guinea-Bissau's political system has repeatedly seen disputes between the president, the prime minister, and parliament. Reform advocates argue that giving clear authority to the president could reduce institutional conflict and make decision-making more efficient. Critics, on the other hand, fear that concentrating executive power in the presidency would weaken parliament and other checks and balances, significantly shifting the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

The reduction in electoral districts has also been criticized for potentially affecting political representation, weakening parties that rely on strong local support. The new financial and membership requirements are seen as potentially hindering smaller political movements from competing in presidential elections. Furthermore, the draft has been prepared under a military-led transition, not by a restored elected parliament, drawing criticism from the opposition and civil society groups over its inclusiveness.

Is the referendum a vote on General Horta?

Horta has led the transition since the coup, but the referendum is not simply a vote on his political future. The transitional framework bars the interim president and prime minister from running in the elections that conclude the transition. So the immediate issue is what powers the next elected president will have. If the constitution is adopted, the president elected in December would have significantly more power over the government than under the current system.

Why is the timing important?

The referendum takes place ahead of the December 6 presidential and legislative elections. Voters will decide on the constitutional framework before choosing leaders who are expected to govern under that framework. This means the new president and parliament could take office under rules drafted during the military-led transition. For the transitional government, the referendum is part of the process of restoring civilian rule. For the opposition, the timing raises the question of whether a military-led government should be allowed to set the fundamental political rules before elected institutions are restored.

What does a "yes" or "no" vote mean?

A "yes" vote would bring the new constitution into effect, including greater presidential powers, a smaller parliament, fewer electoral districts, and new requirements for presidential candidates. A "no" vote would reject the draft, leaving the matter of constitutional reform open. The key issue is not just whether Guinea-Bissau adopts a new constitution, but also the degree of presidential power as the country returns to civilian rule.