suwandi-tan
The political landscape of Guinea-Bissau has entered a critical phase as the nation embarked on a historic referendum on August 30, 2026. The vote, which marks a significant turning point for the West African country, seeks to bolster the presidency's power through a proposed constitutional reform.
In the wake of a military coup that took place just over a year ago, the current transitional government, led by General Horta Inta-A Na Man, is advocating for a new constitution that would transition the political system from a parliamentary to a presidential form. This reform is seen as a means to stabilize the country's institutions in preparation for upcoming elections scheduled for December 6, with the aim of returning power to a civilian government.
Idrissa Djalo, the executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, reported that the referendum saw a high voter turnout, exceeding 55 percent, and was conducted without any incidents that would undermine the vote's credibility. Preliminary results are expected to be announced on Tuesday, August 31.
The proposed new constitution is designed to address the power-sharing issues that have long plagued Guinea-Bissau's political system. Under the current arrangement, prime ministers were typically drawn from the parliamentary majority, often leading to tense coalitions. The new system would grant the head of state the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government members, as well as dissolve parliament.
During the voting process, citizens cast their ballots in response to the question: "Do you agree with the entry into force of the new constitution approved by the National Transitional Council?" The military government, which has been in power since the coup, argues that the referendum is a crucial step towards ensuring that future civilian leaders can serve their full terms without interruption.
General Horta Inta-A Na Man, who is currently serving as the transitional president, emphasized the need for stability following the years of political instability that Guinea-Bissau has experienced. "What we want after this referendum is to allow whoever wins the elections to see out their mandate without hindrance," he stated.
It's important to note that under the transitional charter that governs the current government, Inta-A Na Man is prohibited from running in the upcoming elections. The referendum and the proposed constitutional changes are thus seen as a means to set the stage for a new era of leadership in Guinea-Bissau.
The political tensions that led to the 2025 coup began even before the previous presidential election, which took place on November 25. In a contentious runoff, both candidates declared victory and accused each other of electoral interference. The coup ensued just a day after the election results were announced.
The proposed constitutional reform has generated both support and criticism within Guinea-Bissau and the international community. Proponents argue that it is necessary for the stability and development of the nation, while critics are concerned about the potential for increased authoritarianism and the marginalization of other political voices.
As the nation awaits the referendum results, the future of Guinea-Bissau hangs in the balance. The outcome of this vote could determine whether the country moves forward towards a more stable and democratic future, or whether it continues to grapple with the challenges of its turbulent past.
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