Internet State

Guinea-Bissau voters approved a referendum that would empower the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government ministers, while reducing parliamentary seats from 102 to 65, with a reported 70% "Yes" vote against 30% for "No," and voter turnout exceeding 50%. The National Transitional Council claimed the reform aims to stabilize the country ahead of upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on December 6, despite opposition assertions that the referendum lacks legal legitimacy due to its organization by military-created institutions. Critics warn the proposed changes would consolidate power in the presidency and undermine democratic processes, expressing concerns over the lack of consultation with civil society and the removal of constitutional oversight provisions.

Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution that expands presidential powers, with 70% of the 544,060 people who participated in the referendum supporting the changes and a turnout of over 55%. The amendments reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and cut the number of electoral constituencies from 29 to 12, while imposing new requirements for presidential candidates to have lived in the country for at least five years. This referendum is seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the political landscape ahead of December's elections, following a period of turmoil marked by multiple coup attempts and disputed elections.

Voters in Guinea-Bissau approved a new constitution that grants significant powers to the president, with 70% supporting the changes and nearly 60% voter turnout reported. The reforms allow the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, dissolve parliament in times of political crisis, and reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65. The main opposition party boycotted the referendum, warning that it risks concentrating power in the presidency and undermining democracy in the country, which has faced multiple coups since its independence in 1974.

A referendum in Guinea-Bissau approved a new constitution granting significant powers to the president, with 70 percent of votes in favor and a turnout of nearly 60 percent. The changes, proposed by the military government following a coup in November, allow the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, reduce parliamentary seats from 102 to 65, and decrease electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. The opposition party PAIGC and civil society groups have criticized the referendum, arguing it undermines the country's democratic transition, amidst concerns over a trend of military coups in West and Central Africa, which have seen nine such events since 2020.

Ballot counting is underway in Guinea-Bissau following a referendum on a new constitution that could enhance presidential powers, with voter turnout exceeding 55 percent and the process deemed credible by election officials. The proposed constitution aims to shift the political system from parliamentary to presidential, allowing the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and dissolve parliament, in response to prolonged political instability highlighted by last year's coup. Results of the referendum, which seeks to facilitate smoother governance ahead of upcoming elections scheduled for December 6, are expected on Tuesday.

Guinea-Bissau held a referendum to decide on a constitutional amendment that would grant the president increased powers, reducing the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65. This amendment, approved unanimously by the junta, aims to shift the country to a presidential system ahead of upcoming elections scheduled for December 6. Despite the junta's assurances of stability, opposition groups have called for a boycott, arguing that the changes would further entrench military control and contribute to political instability.