Guinea-Bissau referendum to reshape presidential powers and electoral system

On August 30, Guinea-Bissau voters will decide whether to adopt a new constitution that would substantially increase presidential authority and overhaul the nation’s electoral framework.

The referendum follows a military takeover nine months ago that installed General Horta Inta‑A Na Man as transitional president, with legislative and presidential elections now scheduled for December 6.

Advocates argue the reforms would clarify executive authority and help end years of political instability, while critics contend the changes would concentrate excessive power in the presidency and question the drafting process.

The PAIGC, a major opposition party, has rejected the referendum and urged a boycott.

The vote will decide if the constitution drafted by the National Transitional Council becomes law, setting the stage for the country’s return to elected government.

Why is Guinea-Bissau changing its constitution?

The constitutional overhaul began after a military coup on November 26, 2025.

The transitional charter created the CNT, granting it legislative authority during the transition, and the council approved the draft constitution on January 13, 2026.

Guinea-Bissau, a Portuguese‑speaking nation on West Africa’s coast, has experienced repeated coups since independence in 1974. Its current constitution establishes a semi‑presidential system that divides executive power between the president and prime minister.

The proposed constitution would substantially alter Guinea-Bissau’s existing semi‑presidential system, giving the president significantly greater executive authority and reducing the prime minister’s role in government.

What would change?

Under the proposal, the president would gain greater control over the government, including the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members.

The president would also chair the Council of Ministers and could create or dissolve ministries at will.

The constitution would shrink parliament from 102 to 65 seats and cut electoral districts from 29 to 12.

Presidential candidates would need five years of permanent residence in Guinea-Bissau, pay a 50 million CFA franc deposit (≈ $90 000), and be sponsored by a party with at least 5 000 members, including 300 per region.

A new Constitutional Court would be established.

Why is a stronger presidency controversial?

Guinea-Bissau’s political history is littered with disputes among the president, prime minister, and parliament. Proponents argue that clearer executive authority could reduce institutional conflict and streamline decision‑making, but opponents warn that concentrating power would weaken parliamentary checks and upset the executive‑legislative balance.

Critics contend that reducing electoral districts could distort representation and disadvantage parties that rely on strong local support.

The new financial deposits and membership thresholds are seen as barriers that may prevent smaller political movements from fielding candidates.

There is also controversy over how the constitution was drafted. The text was prepared by a military‑led transitional council rather than a reinstated elected parliament, prompting opposition parties and civil‑society groups to question its inclusiveness.

Is the referendum about Horta Inta‑A Na Man?

Although Horta Inta‑A Na Man has overseen the transition, the vote is not about his political future. The transitional framework bars both the transitional president and prime minister from running in the upcoming elections.

The key question is the scope of authority that the next elected president will wield. If the constitution passes, the December president will have considerably broader powers than under the current system.

Why does the timing matter?

Because the referendum precedes the December 6 presidential and legislative elections, voters will set the constitutional framework before choosing the leaders who will govern under it.

Consequently, the incoming president and parliament could begin governing under a constitution drafted during the military transition.

The transitional authorities view the vote as a step toward restoring democratic governance.

Opponents argue that a military‑led body should not be allowed to dictate fundamental political rules before elected institutions are re‑established.

What would a yes or no vote mean?

A “yes” vote would enact the proposed constitution, instituting stronger presidential powers, a smaller parliament, fewer electoral districts, and the new candidate requirements.

A “no” vote would reject the draft, leaving constitutional reform unresolved.

Ultimately, the referendum will determine the balance of power in Guinea‑Bissau’s next elected government, shaping the extent of presidential authority.

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