Guinea-Bissau is set to hold a constitutional referendum on Aug. 30, a vote that could dramatically reshape the balance of power in the West African nation. The proposed charter would grant the president sweeping authority to appoint and remove the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, chair the Council of Ministers, and dissolve parliament in a grave political crisis.
Key changes in the draft constitution
The draft reduces the size of the National People’s Assembly from 102 seats to 65 and cuts the number of electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. It also adds a residency requirement for presidential candidates, mandating five years of continuous residence in Guinea-Bissau, a provision not present in the current constitution.
Under the existing constitution, the legislature selects the prime minister, who then forms the cabinet. The new text would shift that power to the president, effectively centralizing executive control and limiting legislative oversight.
Context and reactions
The referendum comes after a military coup in November 2025, when officers seized power one day before the electoral commission was to announce presidential election results. Analysts note that the reduction in constituencies could diminish the influence of parties with strong local support.
Manuel Nobre de Barros, a professor at Lusofona University in Guinea-Bissau, warned that the reforms would give the president “absolute power” with little political opposition. He cautioned that the concentration of authority could undermine democratic checks and balances.
Implications for upcoming elections
Guinea-Bissau is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections in December 2026. If the new constitution is adopted, the altered electoral map and the president’s expanded powers could shape the composition of the legislature and the conduct of those elections.
International observers will be watching the vote closely, given the recent coup and concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions. The outcome will determine whether the country moves toward a more centralized executive system or retains its current parliamentary framework.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
