The referendum in Guinea-Bissau has approved a new constitution granting the president expanded powers, according to the country's National Electoral Commission.
The commission said on Tuesday that 70% of ballots cast last week supported the changes, with voter turnout near 60% of eligible voters.
The referendum was proposed by the military government, which seized power in a coup last November, and took place ahead of general elections scheduled for later this year that aim to restore civilian rule.
However, the vote was condemned by the main opposition party, PAIGC, and civil society organizations, who argued it threatens Guinea-Bissau's democratic transition process.
The military authorities said the changes are intended to stabilize key state institutions before the December elections, which will choose the president and parliament seats.
Under the new provisions, the president can appoint and dismiss the prime minister and the cabinet, significantly weakening the country's power-sharing system. The president can also establish and abolish ministries, and dissolve parliament under certain conditions. Currently, the prime minister handles daily governance and is elected by parliament.
Parliamentary seats will also decrease from 102 to 65, while the number of electoral districts will be reduced by more than half, from 29 to 12.
Although the electoral commission reported turnout near 60% of eligible voters, international news agencies reported that polling stations were largely empty. PAIGC had urged citizens to boycott the referendum.
Critics accused the military government of seeking to centralize power, allowing the ruling establishment to reshape the political system in its favor before the December elections.
These concerns are shaped by a series of military coups in the region. West and Central Africa have witnessed nine coups since 2020, with military leaders asserting their actions respond to deteriorating security conditions and a desire to protect democracy.
