Ballot counting has commenced in Guinea-Bissau following a referendum that could shift the nation from a parliamentary to a presidential system. The military-led transitional government aims to stabilize the country ahead of December elections.

  • Guinea-Bissau citizens voted on a new constitution to reform the political system.
  • The proposed changes switch the nation from a parliamentary to a presidential system.
  • Turnout exceeded 55% with no major reported incidents.
  • Results are expected to be announced this Tuesday.

The counting of votes is currently underway in Guinea-Bissau following a high-stakes referendum that could fundamentally alter the country's power dynamics. Citizens across the West African nation went to the polls on Sunday to decide on a new constitution, a move intended to reshape the political landscape ahead of general elections scheduled for later this year.

Idrissa Djalo, the executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, confirmed in a news briefing that voter turnout "exceeded" 55 percent. Crucially, he noted that the polling process was conducted "without any incidents that would call into question the credibility of the vote," suggesting a peaceful transition through the ballot box. The official results are anticipated on Tuesday.

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A Shift Toward Presidential Authority

The core of the referendum lies in a massive structural overhaul. Currently, Guinea-Bissau operates under a parliamentary system where the Prime Minister is drawn from the parliamentary majority. This has historically led to friction and complex power-sharing struggles. The proposed constitution seeks to replace this with a presidential system.

Under this new framework, the Head of State would gain significant new powers, including the authority to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and cabinet members, as well as the power to dissolve the parliament. This centralization of authority is designed to streamline governance and reduce the political gridlock that has plagued the nation.

The move to a presidential system represents a decisive attempt to end the era of fragmented governance in Guinea-Bissau.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this referendum is a critical juncture for Guinea-Bissau's stability. Coming less than ten months after a military coup, the transitional government is attempting to build institutional strength before handing power back to civilians on December 6. The military leadership argues that a stronger presidency will prevent the kind of political paralysis seen in recent years.

Historical Context of Instability

The nation has struggled with political volatility for years. A turning point occurred during the November 2025 presidential elections, where both leading candidates declared victory and accused one another of interference. The ensuing chaos led to a military takeover just one day after the disputed election results. The current transitional leader, General Horta Inta-A Na Man, is barred from running in the upcoming elections under the current charter, positioning him as a facilitator rather than a candidate.

Did You Know?: The proposed constitution seeks to eliminate the requirement that the Prime Minister must come from the parliamentary majority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the main difference between the old and new system?
Answer: The old system was parliamentary; the new system is presidential, giving the President more control over the executive and legislature.

Question 2: When will the next general elections take place?
Answer: Presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for December 6.