Guinea-Bissau votes on president's powers

Voters in military-run Guinea-Bissau are due to decide on August 30 whether to approve a new constitution that would shift the country from a parliamentary system to a presidential one.

The proposed change would allow the head of state to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government members, and to dissolve parliament. The junta says the reform is intended to stabilise institutions before presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6 to return power to civilians.

The army seized power in November 2025, days after a presidential election, overthrowing the head of state and suspending the electoral process. The National Transitional Council, whose 65 members were appointed by the junta, approved the proposed constitutional change before sending it to voters.

The opposition has urged voters to boycott the referendum. The PAIGC party said political activities were suspended, party headquarters were closed and political groups were barred from taking part in the campaign.

Supporters of the proposal say it would help avoid disputes between the president and prime minister. Critics, including Human Rights League head Abubacar Ture, warn that it would concentrate power in the hands of one person. Guinea-Bissau has had five coups and several attempted coups since independence from Portugal in 1974.