Guinea-Bissau leader defends new constitution ahead of referendum

Guinea-Bissau's transitional leader, General Horta Inta-a, has denied that the upcoming constitutional referendum is intended to facilitate the return of former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to power. Addressing traditional authorities in Bissau, the General urged support for the new constitution, which is scheduled for a popular vote on August 30.

The proposed constitution significantly expands presidential authority. Under the new framework, the President would gain the power to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister regardless of electoral results or parliamentary majorities. Additionally, the President would hold the power to dissolve the National Assembly during perceived political crises. The reform also reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and mandates that parties receiving less than 4% of the vote in legislative elections may be dissolved.

The transition follows a military coup on November 26, 2025, which ousted Embaló and suspended the electoral process. While the National Council of Transition claims the text will “prevent political blockages,” opposition groups and civil society have criticized the document for being drafted by an unelected military power. The country remains under suspension from both ECOWAS and the African Union following the coup.