Voters in Guinea-Bissau will head to the polls on August 30, 2026, to decide whether to approve a proposed new constitution that would significantly increase the powers of the president and reshape the country’s political and electoral system.
The referendum comes nine months after a military coup on November 26, 2025, which disrupted the presidential and legislative elections. General Horta Inta-A Na Man, then army chief of staff, became transitional president following the takeover.
Supporters of the proposed constitution say it would establish clearer lines of authority and help end years of political instability and disputes between the president, prime minister and parliament.
However, critics argue that the reforms would concentrate excessive power in the presidency and weaken parliament and other institutions designed to provide checks and balances. Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), has rejected the referendum and called for a boycott.
Under the proposed constitution, the president would have greater control over government, including the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and members of government. The president would also chair the Council of Ministers and have the authority to create or abolish ministries.
The proposed reforms would reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and cut electoral constituencies from 29 to 12.
New requirements would also apply to presidential candidates. They would have to have lived permanently in Guinea-Bissau for the previous five years and pay a 50 million CFA franc deposit, equivalent to about $90,000. Parties sponsoring presidential candidates would also need at least 5,000 members, including 300 in each region.
The referendum is taking place ahead of presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 6, 2026. If approved, the new constitution would provide the legal framework under which the next elected president and parliament would govern.
A Yes vote would introduce stronger presidential powers, a smaller parliament, fewer electoral constituencies and stricter requirements for presidential candidates. A No vote would reject the proposed constitution and leave the question of constitutional reform unresolved.
The vote therefore represents more than a constitutional change. It will determine how political power is distributed when Guinea-Bissau returns to elected government after the military-led transition.
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