Story perspectives

Guinea-Bissau referendum approves constitution, 70% vote yes

9/1/2026

Summary

Horta Inta-A Na Man Approves

Transitional President General Horta Inta-A Na Man oversaw referendum that approved a new constitution.
Provisional results show 70% yes and 30% no votes.
The charter lets the president appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet.
PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira urged a boycott, calling the vote a farce.
Critics say the changes concentrate power and risk undermining democratic checks before December elections.

Summary

Pereira Detained

Domingos Simões Pereira, PAIGC leader, was placed in pre-trial detention in July 2026.
Abubacar Ture, president of the Guinea-Bissau League for Human Rights, called the detention illegal under national law.
ECOWAS mediation mission faced criticism for legitimising the junta’s referendum process.
Idrissa Djalo, executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, reported no incidents during voting.
Political parties must obtain Supreme Court authorisation to campaign, a new military restriction.

History

Historical Context

The 1984 constitution of Guinea-Bissau, revised through the 1990s, was suspended after the military coup on 26 November 2025. The National Transitional Council, acting under General Horta Inta-A Na Man, approved a charter on 14 January 2026 that made the president head of government. A referendum on 30 August 2026 recorded 70% approval from 544,060 voters, roughly 60% of the electorate, cementing expanded presidential powers.

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Horta Inta-A Na Man Approves

Transitional President General Horta Inta-A Na Man oversaw referendum that approved a new constitution.
Provisional results show 70% yes and 30% no votes.
The charter lets the president appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet.
PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira urged a boycott, calling the vote a farce.
Critics say the changes concentrate power and risk undermining democratic checks before December elections.

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