Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution that significantly expands presidential powers, according to provisional results from a referendum held on Sunday. The sweeping changes, representing the first constitutional amendment since the end of the one-party socialist state over three decades ago, were backed by approximately 70% of those who cast ballots.

The referendum saw a turnout exceeding 55%, with an estimated 544,060 citizens participating. The outcome is seen as a crucial step towards stabilizing the nation's political landscape as it prepares for general elections scheduled for December.

Key provisions of the new constitution include a reduction in the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and a decrease in electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. Additionally, new rules stipulate that presidential candidates must have resided continuously in Guinea-Bissau for at least five years prior to the election, a measure widely interpreted as targeting politicians based in the diaspora who command significant support.

This constitutional overhaul is expected to provide a clearer framework for governance, aiming to prevent the recurring political instability that has plagued Guinea-Bissau since its independence from Portugal was globally recognized in 1974. The country has experienced at least 10 coup attempts, with half proving successful, and a deeply contested presidential election in November further highlighted these persistent challenges.

Following last November's disputed elections, where both candidates claimed victory amid allegations of electoral malpractice, the military intervened and established a transitional ruling council. This council is headed by Gen Horta Inta-A Na Man, a former military chief of general staff.

Gen Na Man expressed his hope that the new constitution would ensure elected leaders can complete their terms without obstruction. Nelson Moreira, the second vice-president of the transitional council, noted that the outgoing constitution, enacted in 1993, had frequently been identified as a root cause of the nation's instability.

The approval of the new constitution is anticipated to pave the way for the December elections, offering a potential path toward more predictable governance in a region historically marked by frequent political upheavals and military interventions.

However, the long-term effects of consolidating power within the presidency and the potential implications for democratic checks and balances remain subjects of observation as Guinea-Bissau navigates this new constitutional era.