Guinea-Bissau to vote August 30 on constitution strengthening presidency
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Voters in Guinea-Bissau will decide on August 30 whether to approve a new constitution that would significantly strengthen the presidency and reshape the electoral system. The referendum comes nine months after the November 26, 2025 military coup installed General Horta Inta-A Na Man as transitional president. Presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for December 6.
Key Facts
- The referendum on August 30 will decide whether the constitution approved by the National Transitional Council enters into force.
- The proposed constitution would reduce parliament from 102 seats to 65 and cut electoral constituencies from 29 to 12.
- The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) has rejected the referendum and called for a boycott.
- Presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for December 6, 2026.
Constitutional Changes
The proposed constitution would give the president greater control over the government, including the appointment and dismissal of the prime minister and members of the government. The president would also chair the Council of Ministers and have the power to create or abolish ministries. The draft reduces parliament from 102 seats to 65 and cuts the number of electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. It would also introduce new requirements for presidential candidates.
Political Context
The process began after the November 26, 2025 military coup, which took place three days after presidential and legislative elections were held. The military seized power while the electoral process was still under way, one day before the electoral commission was due to announce the presidential results. General Horta Inta-A Na Man, then army chief of staff, became transitional president. The transition charter established a National Transitional Council (CNT), which was given legislative powers during the transition. The council approved the proposed constitutional text on January 13, 2026.
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Guinea-Bissau to vote August 30 on constitution strengthening presidency
