Guinea-Bissau to vote on constitution expanding presidential powers

Guinea-Bissau is set to hold a referendum on August 30, in a vote that could have far‑reaching implications for the country's governance structures.

The referendum comes just over three months before presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 6, and less than one year after General Horta Inta‑A was sworn in as transitional president following the November 2025 military coup.

The draft constitution proposes major changes to Guinea‑Bissau's legislature and electoral system. It gives the president powers to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and members of the government. 

The president, who would also chair the Council of Ministers, would be empowered to create or abolish ministries. In times of serious political crisis, the president would have the authority to dissolve parliament and dismiss the government.

Presidential hopefuls would, however, be required to have resided permanently in the country for the five years preceding an election.

Beyond the presidency, the country would have a much leaner legislature, with a proposal to reduce the number of members of parliament to 65 from 102. Electoral constituencies would also be slashed from 29 to 12.

Sunday’s vote will give voters an opportunity to decide how much power the presidency should wield when the country returns to elected government.

Supporters say the changes would streamline state institutions, while critics fear they would concentrate excessive power in the presidency.

Manuel Nobre de Barros, a professor at Lusófona University in Guinea-Bissau, said the reforms could weaken the legislature and reduce the influence of parties with strong local support.

"The changes give the president absolute power under the new constitution, with no political opposition," he told Reuters.