Key facts
- Guinea-Bissau voters approved a new constitution in a referendum.
- The new constitution significantly expands presidential powers, including appointing/dismissing the prime minister and cabinet.
- Provisional results show 70% of voters supported the constitutional changes.
- Turnout for the referendum was over 55%.
- The number of parliamentary seats will be reduced from 102 to 65.
- Presidential candidates must have resided in Guinea-Bissau for at least five years continuously.
Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution in a referendum, significantly expanding presidential powers and altering the nation's political structure. Provisional results indicate 70% support for the changes, which were organized by the military government that seized power in November.
The new constitution empowers the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, establish or dissolve ministries, and dissolve parliament during severe political crises. Proponents argue these reforms are necessary to combat the country's chronic political instability, which has historically stemmed from disputes between presidents and prime ministers.
However, the main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), boycotted the vote, labeling it a "democratic farce" and warning that the changes risk concentrating too much power in the presidency. The referendum also reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. New eligibility requirements for presidential candidates include a five-year continuous residency stipulation.
Guinea-Bissau, a nation grappling with poverty and a history of political instability including numerous coup attempts since its 1974 independence, faces general elections in December. The outcome of the referendum and the upcoming elections are seen as critical for the country's future stability and the restoration of civilian rule.