Guinea-Bissau has approved a new constitution that significantly strengthens the powers of the president and changes the country’s political system, according to provisional results announced by the National Electoral Commission.
The constitutional referendum was held on August 30, 2026, several months after the West African country was taken over by the military following a disputed presidential election.
According to the provisional results, about 70 per cent of voters supported the proposed constitutional changes, while 30 per cent voted against them. The electoral commission reported that approximately 544,060 people participated, representing nearly 60 per cent of registered voters.
The referendum has become one of the most significant political developments in Guinea-Bissau since the military seized power in November 2025.
Under the new constitution, the president will have greater control over the country’s government. The president will be able to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members, create or abolish government ministries and dissolve parliament during a serious political crisis.
The changes represent a major shift away from the country’s previous semi-presidential system, in which political power was shared more closely between the president, prime minister and parliament.
The size of parliament will also be reduced significantly. The number of parliamentary seats will fall from 102 to 65, while the number of electoral constituencies will decrease from 29 to 12.
Supporters of the changes, particularly the military-led transitional government, argue that the reforms are necessary to address years of political instability.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated coups and attempted coups since independence from Portugal. Political disagreements between presidents, prime ministers and parliament have frequently created tensions and contributed to instability.
Military authorities have argued that giving the president stronger authority could make government more effective and prevent repeated disputes between the country’s political institutions.
However, opposition groups have strongly criticised the referendum.
The country’s main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), boycotted the vote and urged its supporters not to participate.
The opposition argues that the referendum was organised by a military government that came to power through a coup and therefore lacks the legitimacy to make such fundamental constitutional changes.
Critics also say the process was not sufficiently inclusive because political parties and civil society groups were not adequately consulted during the drafting of the new constitution.
There are also concerns about the timing of the constitutional changes.
The referendum comes ahead of presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 2026, which are intended to return Guinea-Bissau to civilian rule.
The military takeover in November 2025 occurred after a disputed presidential election. The army intervened as votes were being counted, removing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and suspending the electoral process.
The transitional authorities have presented the constitutional reforms as part of a process aimed at restoring political stability and eventually returning the country to elected civilian government.
Another important change affects who can run for president.
Under the new rules, presidential candidates must have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau for at least five years before the election. The requirement could affect politicians who have spent significant periods outside the country.
The reforms have therefore generated debate over whether they will genuinely strengthen Guinea-Bissau’s political system or simply concentrate more power in the presidency.
Supporters believe a stronger presidency could help end the cycle of political disputes that has affected the country for decades.
Opponents, however, fear that concentrating authority in the presidency could weaken parliament, political parties and other democratic institutions.
The controversy comes at a difficult time for Guinea-Bissau, a country of about 2.2 million people that continues to struggle with poverty, weak institutions and political instability. The country is also known internationally as an important transit point for cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Europe.
Despite the controversy surrounding the referendum, the approval of the constitution means Guinea-Bissau is now moving towards a significantly different political system.
The December elections will be an important test of whether the constitutional reforms can help the country return to stable civilian government.
For ordinary citizens, the major question will be whether the political changes bring greater stability, better governance and improved economic opportunities.
For opposition groups and democracy advocates, the focus will remain on whether the new system protects political competition and prevents excessive concentration of power.
As Guinea-Bissau prepares for its December elections, the country faces a crucial political crossroads: whether the new constitution becomes a foundation for stability or another source of political tension.
