Guinea-Bissau holds constitutional referendum nine months after coup
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Voters in Guinea-Bissau cast ballots Sunday in a constitutional referendum held nine months after a military coup. The interim government says the amendments will simplify power-sharing and prevent future political crises, while the opposition called for a boycott. Results are expected no earlier than Tuesday.
Key Facts
- The referendum took place on Sunday, nine months after the military coup in Guinea-Bissau.
- The interim government drafted constitutional amendments that it says will simplify power distribution and prevent future political crises.
- The opposition called for a boycott, arguing the amendments disproportionately increase presidential powers and were drafted without public consultation.
- Voting results will be announced no earlier than Tuesday.
- General elections are expected to be held soon in Guinea-Bissau to mark the restoration of civilian rule.
The Referendum
Residents of Guinea-Bissau voted Sunday in a referendum on constitutional amendments. The vote was held nine months after the military seized power in the West African nation. The interim authorities prepared a package of amendments to the basic law. They said the changes would simplify the system of power distribution and help avoid future political crises.
Opposition Boycott
The opposition called for a boycott of the referendum. Opposition representatives argued that the amendments disproportionately increase the president's powers. They also said the amendments were drafted without public consultations and that opponents were effectively barred from campaigning.
Next Steps
Voting results will be announced no earlier than Tuesday. General elections are expected to be held soon in Guinea-Bissau to mark the restoration of civilian rule. In autumn 2025, the military announced it had taken full control of the country and suspended the electoral process.
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Guinea-Bissau holds constitutional referendum nine months after coup
