A referendum proposes a new constitution that would expand the president’s authority, cut the size of parliament and follow a military coup that ousted the elected government last year.
Turnout was low in many places after opposition parties urged a boycott, arguing the changes concentrate power in the hands of the military leadership.
The vote comes after a November coup that interrupted a disputed election and precedes general elections planned for December to restore civilian rule.
# Quick summary Guinea-Bissau held a referendum to approve a new constitution that grants the president broader powers and reduces parliamentary representation. The vote took place less than a year after a military takeover in November interrupted a disputed presidential election. Opposition groups urged voters to boycott the referendum, and many polling stations reported low turnout.
# What the proposed constitution would change The draft constitution, advanced by the National Transitional Council, would:
Supporters say the changes are intended to resolve recurring conflicts between presidents and prime ministers. Opponents say the same changes concentrate power and weaken democratic checks.
# Political backdrop In November of the previous year, the military seized power after a disputed election in which both former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory. The takeover triggered criticism across West Africa and added Guinea-Bissau to a regional wave of democratic setbacks. The transitional authorities organized the referendum as part of a political transition that includes planned general elections in December.
# Turnout, campaigning and reactions Opposition parties called for a boycott, describing the referendum as a route for the head of the military government to expand control. Observers and residents reported low turnout at many polling stations. Officials registered nearly 915,000 voters for the referendum, and many citizens said they either opposed the process or did not understand the new constitution.
# Context: recurring instability and structural challenges
# What to watch next
# Bottom line The referendum is a pivotal step in Guinea-Bissau's transition after a coup. It proposes concrete institutional changes that would concentrate executive power and shrink parliamentary representation. Low turnout and an opposition boycott sharpen political uncertainty as the country heads toward elections meant to restore civilian rule.
Voters in Guinea-Bissau went to the polls on Sunday to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment. The changes would expand the president’s powers, including giving him the right to appoint and dismiss the prime minister.
The referendum is due to take place on August 30, followed by general elections in December. The vote is therefore being closely watched as Guinea-Bissau attempts to move from military rule back toward an elected government
The National Electoral Commission says 70 percent of voters cast their ballots in favour of the changes.
[RFI] Voters in military-run Guinea-Bissau will cast ballots on Sunday in a referendum that could give the president more powers ahead of a general election meant to restore civilian rule later this year.
Ten months after a coup, military leaders say the referendum is designed to stabilise future civilian governments.
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