Voters in Guinea-Bissau approved a new constitution by 70% in Sunday’s referendum, according to provisional results announced by the country’s electoral commission. The constitutional amendment expands presidential powers, reduces parliamentary seats from 102 to 65, and introduces a five-year continuous residency requirement for presidential candidates ahead of elections scheduled for December.
Provisional Results and Voter Turnout in Guinea-Bissau
The referendum paves the way for presidential and parliamentary elections slated for December. Transitional leaders argue the vote will steady a politically turbulent landscape marked by numerous coup attempts since the nation gained independence from Portugal in 1974.
Expanded Presidential Powers and Structural Changes
Previously, the legislature appointed a prime minister from the parliamentary majority to form a cabinet. The ruling military authorities stated that this previous arrangement, established under a 1993 constitution, often caused instability and frequent disputes between presidents and prime ministers.
Under the new framework, the president gains greater authority over the government, though the five-year presidential term and two-term limit remain unchanged. Alongside the reduction of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65, electoral constituencies are cut from 29 to 12. New eligibility requirements mandate that presidential candidates must have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau for five years prior to the vote, a provision widely believed to target diaspora politicians.
Political Opposition and Boycott Calls
The referendum faced fierce resistance from the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), the country’s main opposition party. PAIGC was barred from fielding a presidential candidate in the upcoming 2025 vote and urged supporters to boycott the referendum, labeling it a democratic farce.
Activists speaking to the BBC claimed the referendum served as a mere formality with minimal true participation, while regional analyst Paul Ejime told the BBC’s Newsday program that the changes aim to turn the president into an “emperor” and urged the regional bloc Ecowas to intervene.
Did you know? Since gaining recognized independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced at least 10 coup attempts, half of which have successfully overthrown the government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of voters approved the new constitution in Guinea-Bissau?
According to provisional results from the electoral commission, 70% of voters approved the constitutional changes, while 30% voted against them.
How does the new constitution change the government structure?
The amendment expands presidential authority over the prime minister, reduces parliament from 102 seats to 65, cuts constituencies from 29 to 12, and requires presidential candidates to reside in the country continuously for five years.
Why did the military authorities implement the referendum?
Military leaders claimed the changes are necessary to eliminate historical political instability caused by friction between presidents and prime ministers under the 1993 constitution.
What is the position of the political opposition?
The main opposition party, PAIGC, boycotted the vote and condemned the referendum as a continuation of the military coup that seized power following disputed elections.
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