Guinea-Bissau referendum nods to expansion of presidential powers

The National Electoral Commission says 70 percent of voters cast their ballots in favour of the changes.Published On 1 Sep 20261 Sep 2026A referendum in Guinea-Bissau has approved a new constitution that will significantly increase the power of the president.The National Electoral Commission said on Tuesday that 70 percent of votes cast last week were in favour of the changes, with the turnout at almost 60 percent.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Guinea-Bissau sets election date following last year’s couplist 2 of 3One ‘party state’: Guinea dissolves main opposition partieslist 3 of 3Guinea-Bissau votes on a stronger presidency: What’s at stake?end of listThe referendum, proposed by the military government, which seized power in a coup in November last year, took place shortly ahead of a general election at the end of the year, which is aimed at returning the country to civilian rule.However, the vote has been denounced by the main opposition party, PAIGC, and civil society groups, which argue that it threatens Guinea-Bissau’s transition back to democracy.The military rulers say the changes are aimed at stabilising key state institutions ahead of December’s vote, when ...