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Guinea-Bissau electoral commission reports passage of referendum expanding presidential powers

Transitional authorities claim a 70% victory for the new constitution, but opposition figures dispute the vote's legitimacy and turnout figures.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 14:20 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • The National Electoral Commission announced that voters approved a constitutional reform shifting Guinea-Bissau toward a stronger presidential system with 70% in favor.
  • The new charter allows the president to appoint or dismiss the prime minister, dissolve parliament, and reduces legislative seats from 102 to 65.
  • Opposition parties and civil society groups boycotted the vote, rejecting it as unconstitutional and lacking legal standing following the November 2025 coup.
  • The vote precedes scheduled December 6 elections meant to transition the country back to civilian rule.

Key facts

  • The National Electoral Commission reported that the 'Yes' option won with 70% of the vote compared to 30% for 'No', with turnout surpassing 50%.[Deutsche Welle]
  • The approved draft constitution grants the president the power to appoint and dismiss government ministers and the prime minister, dissolve parliament, and reduces parliamentary seats from 102 to 65.[Deutsche Welle]
  • The referendum was conducted by transitional authorities under the National Transitional Council less than 10 months after the military seized power following the disputed November 2025 election.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Opposition figures, including PAIGC leader Domingos Simoes Pereira and former presidential candidate Fernando Dias Costa, rejected the vote as legally invalid and disputed official turnout data.[Deutsche Welle]
  • Presidential and parliamentary elections aimed at restoring civilian governance remain scheduled for December 6.[Deutsche Welle]

What remains uncertain

  • Actual voter participation remains contested after opposition leaders claimed turnout was minimal, conflicting with official figures reporting over 50% participation.[Deutsche Welle]
  • The current whereabouts of ousted president Umaro Sissoco Embalo and the extent of his remaining political or military influence are unknown.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources