Guinea-Bissau Holds Referendum on Increased Presidential Powers Ahead of Elections
Guinea-Bissau is holding a referendum to decide on granting new presidential powers ahead of its December general election. This vote follows a military coup and aims to centralize more authority with the president, while reducing parliamentary representation.
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 30, 2026 —
Guinea-Bissau is currently holding a referendum that will allow citizens to vote on proposed changes to the country’s constitution, specifically concerning the powers of the president. The vote is scheduled to take place ahead of the general election slated for December.
The referendum is seen as a critical step in reshaping the nation’s governance structure. Proposed amendments aim to concentrate greater authority within the office of the president. Concurrently, these changes also seek to diminish the representation and influence of the parliament.
This electoral process occurs in the aftermath of a military coup, though the summary does not specify the date or details of this event. The context of political instability following such an event often influences discussions around executive versus legislative powers.
The specific details regarding the proposed new presidential powers, the extent of the reduction in parliamentary representation, and the exact date of the referendum were not provided in the summary. Information regarding the potential impact on the upcoming December general election and the specifics of any constitutional changes being proposed also remains unstated.
The outcome of this referendum is expected to significantly influence the balance of power in Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape, determining the scope of the presidency’s authority as the nation prepares for its general elections.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
