# Guinea-Bissau constitutional referendum crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/guinea-bissau-constitutional-referendum-crisis > Updated: 2026-08-27T14:28:21.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 4. Guinea-Bissau is scheduled to hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, 2026, to decide on a transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system. Approved by the National Transitional Council following the November 2025 military coup, the proposed constitution would grant the president expanded authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government members, as well as the power to dissolve parliament. Alongside these changes, new electoral laws would reduce parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and consolidate electoral districts from 29 to 12. The reforms also impose restrictions on the diaspora, who may vote for the National Assembly but are barred from presidential elections. Furthermore, presidential candidates must have maintained effective residence in the country for at least six months prior to the election. As the vote approaches, opposition leaders, led by Domingos Simões Pereira of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), have called for a total boycott. Pereira has denounced the referendum as an “absolute farce” and a “coup against democracy and freedom,” arguing that current institutional and security conditions are unsuitable for a fair consultation. Civil society organizations have joined the opposition in calling for a boycott, citing restricted freedoms and the absence of a fair campaign environment. Critics warn that the referendum may lead to hyper-presidentialism and note that the timing—just months before the December 6 general elections—could potentially violate ECOWAS protocols regarding electoral law changes. While Transition President General Horta Guirassy has called for “massive voter mobilization,” the legitimacy of the vote remains heavily contested. ## Claims - The PAIGC party has called for a total boycott of the upcoming constitutional referendum. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Domingos Simões Pereira described the constitutional referendum as a coup against democracy and freedom. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A military command assumed power in Guinea-Bissau in November 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The new constitution would strengthen presidential powers relative to the head of government. (corroborated by 3 sources) - General elections in Guinea-Bissau are scheduled for December 6. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The National Transitional Council approved the proposed constitutional text on January 13, 2026. (single source) - The proposed constitution would reduce the number of deputies from 102 to 65. (single source) - The ECOWAS Protocol on democracy and good governance prohibits changing electoral laws within six months of an election. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Guinea-Bissau constitutional referendum faces opposition boycott Guinea-Bissau faces a contentious constitutional referendum this Sunday. While supporters claim it will bring stability, the PAIGC and civil society groups have called for a boycott, citing a lack of legitimacy 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guinea-bissau-to-hold-referendum-on-new-constitution ### 2026-08-25: Guinea-Bissau to hold referendum on new constitution and presidential powers Guinea-Bissau will hold a referendum on a new constitution that would shift the country to a presidential system and restrict diaspora voting rights in presidential elections. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guinea-bissau-to-hold-referendum-on-new-constitution-and-presidential-powers ### 2026-08-22: Guinea-Bissau faces political crisis ahead of constitutional referendum Guinea-Bissau faces political unrest ahead of an August 30 constitutional referendum, as opposition parties reject the process and the National Elections Commission bars parties from formal campaigning. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guinea-bissau-referendum-faces-opposition-as-parties-are-barred-from-campaigning ### 2026-08-14: Guinea-Bissau leader defends new constitution ahead of referendum Guinea-Bissau's transitional leader defends a new constitution set for referendum on August 30, which would significantly expand presidential powers and reduce parliamentary seats. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guinea-bissau-leader-defends-new-constitution-ahead-of-referendum --- Cite as: Guinea-Bissau constitutional referendum crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/guinea-bissau-constitutional-referendum-crisis