Guinea-Bissau is voting on a constitutional referendum on Sunday, August 30. The vote was hastily organized by General Horta N’Tam. He seized power in a coup in November 2025. Presidential elections are set for December 6. The reform would create a presidential regime, replacing the current parliamentary system.
Under the proposed changes, the president would appoint the prime minister and lead government councils. He would also have the power to dissolve parliament. The number of deputies would drop from 102 to 65. This would weaken smaller parties. The text also includes symbolic measures, such as renaming the National Popular Assembly to the National Assembly. A member of the former ruling party said the new constitution will bring more stability. He argued that strengthening the president’s role is what Guinea-Bissau needs.
The opposition has called for a boycott. One spokesperson denounced the lack of debate on the text. He said the commission that drafted it was chosen by authorities. He also said political meetings are blocked and party headquarters closed. A citizens’ group regretted the absence of independent observation and transparency.
Former President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, now in exile in Morocco, looms over the vote. The opposition accuses him of being behind the coup that ousted him. They believe it was orchestrated to prevent a possible power shift. His party openly campaigns for a “yes” vote. One opposition leader fears Embalo’s allies will remain in place. He said they are preparing his return. The junta has promised to stay in power for only one year. If the December 6 election goes ahead, Embalo’s allies do not rule out his candidacy.
The opposition, which likely performed well in the November 2025 election, remains weakened. Its president is in exile. Its main representative is free but closely monitored by security forces.
Reference
Le Monde, “En Guinée-Bissau, un référendum constitutionnel et l’ombre du président déchu,” published August 30, 2026. https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2026/08/30/en-guinee-bissau-un-referendum-constitutionnel-et-l-ombre-du-president-dechu_6760671_3212.html