Full Breakdown
Guinea-Bissau Holds Referendum to Expand Presidential Powers
9/1/2026, 9:52:29 PM
The Referendum Vote
On August 30, 2026 citizens voted on a single question: whether to adopt a new constitution drafted by the National Transitional Council. Provisional figures from the National Electoral Commission showed 70 % in favor and 30 % against. Results are expected to be finalized in the days following the vote.
Background and Context
The referendum follows the November 26, 2025 military coup that toppled President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. General Horta Inta-A Na Man was installed as transitional president under a charter that bars him from running in the upcoming elections. The National Transitional Council approved the draft constitution on January 13, 2026. Supporters say the new framework will “stabilise institutions” before the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6, 2026.
Key Figures
- General Horta Inta-A Na Man – Transitional president.
- Domingos Simões Pereira – Leader of the PAIGC opposition party.
- Gen. Tomás Djassi – Head of the armed forces, defender of the reforms.
- Muniro Conté – PAIGC spokesperson, critic of the charter.
- Bubacar Turé – Head of the Guinea-Bissau Human Rights League, opponent of the process.
- Nelson Moreira – Second vice-president of the Transitional Council, proponent of the amendment.
Data and Statistics
- Parliamentary seats: reduced from 102 to 65.
- Electoral constituencies: cut from 29 to 12.
- Presidential candidacy residency: five continuous years in Guinea-Bissau.
- Financial deposit for candidates: 50 million CFA francs (? US$90 000).
- Turnout: 55 % of registered voters.
Official Statements & Responses
Military authorities argue that a smaller parliament will enable “more substantive debates” and that giving the president authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister will eliminate the “source of political instability.” Idrissa Djalo said the vote proceeded “without incident” and that results would be announced on Tuesday.
Criticism and Opposition
Bubacar Turé criticized the secrecy of the drafting process and the exclusion of parties and civil-society groups. Abubacar Ture, president of the Guinea-Bissau League for Human Rights, called the proposed system “dangerous for our democracy” because it would concentrate power in a single individual.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We revised the constitution to avoid constant conflict between the president of the republic and the prime minister.” — Gen. Tomás Djassi
- “This constitutional revision has done away with that chapter, which is absurd, strange and extremely dangerous for the rule of law and for democracy," says Turé.” — Turé
- “The presidential system that the junta wants to impose will concentrate all power in the hands of one man. This is dangerous for our democracy,” — Abubacar Ture
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No independent observer has verified the figures, and the opposition claims many polling stations were empty due to a boycott, leaving true engagement uncertain.
Why It Matters / Impact
If approved, the constitution will shift Guinea-Bissau from a semi-presidential to a strong presidential model, giving the head of state power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister, chair the Council of Ministers, and dissolve parliament. Critics warn this could entrench military-backed leadership and diminish legislative oversight, affecting the credibility of the December 6, 2026 elections and regional stability.
What’s Next
Provisional results are slated for release on September 1, after which the country will prepare for the elections on December 6, 2026. International bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, have called for a swift return to constitutional order, while opposition parties plan to continue contesting the referendum’s legitimacy.
