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Counting begins after referendum

Counting of votes cast in Guinea-Bissau’s referendum began on Sunday. The result will determine whether a new constitution that could change the West African country’s state structure is adopted and whether the powers of the presidency are expanded.

Officials from the National Election Commission said turnout exceeded 55%. The commission’s secretary-general, Idrissa Djalo, said there were no incidents on voting day that would cast doubt on the credibility of the ballot.

What would change if the new constitution is approved?

The new constitution put to a public vote would shift the country from its current parliamentary model to a presidential system. The reform aims to end a system in which the prime minister comes from the parliamentary majority and concentrate executive power in the presidency.

  • Giving the president the power to appoint or dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members.
  • Opening the way for the head of state to dissolve parliament.

What question was put to voters?

Voters answered yes or no to whether they approved the entry into force of the new constitution adopted by the National Transitional Council. The referendum was held ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections planned for later this year.

Political backdrop to the referendum

The vote came about 10 months after the military coup in the country. The military authorities say they want to stabilize institutions before the elections planned for Dec. 6 and ensure the transfer of power to civilian rule.

Transition leader General Horta Inta-A Na Man said after the referendum that they want the winner of the election to be able to complete their term without obstacles. However, the transitional charter he relies on does not allow Inta-A Na Man to run in the elections.

The referendum came after repeated political tensions in recent years. In the presidential election held in November 2025, both candidates declared victory and accused each other of interfering in the vote; the coup took place a day later.

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