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Guinea-Bissau approves new constitution expanding presidential powers
Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution in a referendum, with provisional results showing a 70% 'yes' vote. The reform, proposed by the military transitional government following a November 2025 coup, shifts the country from a semi-presidential to a strong presidential system.
Key changes include granting the president the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, as well as the power to dissolve parliament. The new constitution also reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and decreases electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. Additionally, presidential candidates must have resided in the country for at least five years prior to elections.
The referendum was marked by significant political tension. The main opposition party, PAIGC, called for a boycott, arguing the process lacks democratic legitimacy and threatens civil liberties. While the National Electoral Commission described the vote as a success with credible participation, some observers noted low turnout in the capital, Bissau. The results come ahead of general elections scheduled for December 6, intended to restore civilian rule.
Entities
Antonio Guterres · ECOWAS · Fernando Dias da Costa · Guinea-Bissau · Horta N’Tam · National Electoral Commission · PAIGC · United Nations
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 'yes' vote received 383,117 votes, representing 70% of the total. www.telesurtv.net · forbesafricalusofona.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Participation reached 572,712 voters. www.telesurtv.net · forbesafricalusofona.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a peaceful and inclusive transition. www.globaldiasporanews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The number of electoral constituencies will be reduced from 29 to 12. rr.pt · www.myjoyonline.com · www.theguardian.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] The president will have the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and the government. www.telesurtv.net · rr.pt · thevoicenewsmagazine.com · www.myjoyonline.com · www.nasuba.info · +2 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] The 'yes' vote won the constitutional referendum with 70% of the votes. www.telesurtv.net · rr.pt · thevoicenewsmagazine.com · forbesafricalusofona.com · www.myjoyonline.com · +6 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The new constitution will reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65. www.globaldiasporanews.com · rr.pt · www.myjoyonline.com · www.telesurtv.net · thevoicenewsmagazine.com · +1 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The main opposition party, PAIGC, boycotted the referendum. rr.pt · www.myjoyonline.com · agpgabon.ga · www.diarioeconomico.co.mz