Guinea-Bissau to Hold Constitutional Referendum on August 30

Guinea-Bissau's military-led transitional government has announced that a constitutional referendum will be held on August 30, 2026, to seek public approval for sweeping constitutional reforms that would expand the powers of the president.

According to a government decree issued on Monday, voters will decide whether the country should replace its parliamentary system with a presidential system. If approved, the new constitution would empower the president to appoint the prime minister and cabinet members, as well as dissolve parliament.

The referendum follows the military takeover in November 2025, when the armed forces overthrew the elected government shortly after a presidential election and suspended the democratic process. The ruling junta later endorsed the proposed constitutional changes as part of its transition roadmap.

The transitional president, General Horta N'Tam, approved the referendum date after receiving a favourable opinion from the country's Supreme Court. Although he currently heads the transition, the junta has stated that he will not be eligible to contest the presidential election.

Guinea-Bissau is expected to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on December 6, 2026, aimed at restoring civilian rule after months of military governance.

Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated political instability, including several military coups and attempted takeovers. The proposed reforms are intended to strengthen executive authority, following years of fragile coalition governments and political deadlock under the parliamentary system.

Former president Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was removed during the 2025 coup, had governed by decree after dissolving the opposition-controlled parliament in 2023. The upcoming referendum is expected to shape the country's future political structure ahead of its planned return to democratic governance.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share