Guinea-Bissau will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, following a military takeover that occurred in November 2025. The vote will determine whether to adopt a new constitution that would substantially reshape the country’s political system and executive authority structure.
The military coup took place while presidential and legislative elections were underway, with the armed forces seizing control one day before results were scheduled to be announced. General Horta Inta-A Na Man, then army chief of staff, became transitional president. A National Transitional Council was subsequently established with legislative powers during the transition period. This council approved the proposed constitutional text in January 2026.
The existing system operates as a semi-presidential arrangement in which executive authority is divided between the president and prime minister. The proposed constitution would fundamentally alter this balance by granting the president significantly expanded powers, including control over government appointments, dismissals, and ministerial structure. The changes would also reduce parliament from 102 to 65 seats and consolidate electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. New requirements for presidential candidates include a five-year residency period and a substantial financial deposit, along with stricter party membership thresholds.
Proponents argue that consolidating presidential authority would reduce institutional conflicts that have plagued Guinea-Bissau’s political history and improve governmental effectiveness. Opponents contend that the reforms would dangerously concentrate power in the executive branch, weakening parliamentary oversight and reducing political representation across regions. Concerns have also been raised about the fairness of the constitutional drafting process, which occurred under military leadership rather than through elected institutions. The main opposition party, PAIGC, has called for a boycott of the referendum.
The constitutional vote precedes presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 6. If approved, the next elected president would assume office under a substantially strengthened executive framework established during the military transition. The timing has sparked debate about whether military authorities should establish fundamental constitutional rules before restoring elected government.
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