Vote counting has begun in Guinea-Bissau following a constitutional referendum that could significantly increase the powers of the country’s presidency.
Voters went to the polls on Sunday, August 30, to decide whether to approve a new constitution aimed at reforming the country’s political system ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6.
The National Electoral Commission said voter turnout exceeded 55 percent and that the referendum was conducted without major incidents that could undermine the credibility of the vote. Final results are expected on Tuesday.
The referendum comes less than 10 months after the military seized power in a coup following a disputed presidential election.
The transitional military government says the proposed constitutional changes are intended to strengthen political institutions and prevent future governments from being paralysed by disputes between the president and prime minister.
If approved, the new constitution would change Guinea-Bissau from a parliamentary system to a presidential system. The president would have the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and members of the government, as well as dissolve parliament.
Under the current system, the prime minister is drawn from the parliamentary majority, a structure that has frequently resulted in tensions and power struggles between the president and government.
Voters were asked to answer “Yes” or “No” to whether they agreed with the implementation of the new constitution approved by the National Transitional Council.
Transitional President General Horta Inta-A Na Man said the reforms were intended to ensure that whoever wins the upcoming elections can complete their term without political obstruction.
However, Inta-A Na Man is barred from contesting the elections under the transitional charter governing the country.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced years of political instability. In the November 2025 presidential election, rival candidates both claimed victory and accused each other of electoral interference. The military seized power the following day, deepening the country’s political crisis.
The December elections are expected to mark the return of civilian rule following the military transition.
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