Voters in Guinea-Bissau are set to decide on August 30 whether to approve a new constitution that would substantially increase the powers of the presidency and alter the country's electoral framework. This referendum is a critical step towards restoring elected government following a military coup nine months prior.

The proposed constitutional changes come just over three months before presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for December 6. Supporters of the reform argue that it will bring clarity to lines of authority and help resolve persistent political instability and institutional disputes that have plagued the West African nation.

However, critics express concern that the new constitution would concentrate excessive power within the presidency. Questions have also been raised about the transparency and process involved in drafting the proposed text. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), a major opposition party, has publicly rejected the referendum and called for a boycott, underscoring the deep divisions surrounding the proposed changes.

The outcome of the referendum will determine whether the constitution, as approved by the National Transitional Council (CNT), will come into effect and establish the foundation for the country's return to democratic governance. The proposed constitution marks a significant departure from Guinea-Bissau's existing semi-presidential system.

The push for constitutional reform was initiated after the military seized power on November 26, 2025. This occurred just days after presidential and legislative elections were held and a day before the electoral commission was slated to announce presidential results. General Horta Inta-A Na Man, then army chief of staff, assumed the role of transitional president.

Under the current constitution, executive power is shared between the president and the prime minister. The proposed constitutional framework would fundamentally alter this arrangement, granting the president significantly more executive authority and diminishing the prime minister's role within the government structure.

Key provisions of the proposed constitution include granting the president greater control over government appointments and dismissals, including the prime minister and other ministers. The president would also preside over the Council of Ministers and gain the authority to establish or dissolve government ministries. Furthermore, the number of parliamentary seats would be reduced from 102 to 65, and the number of electoral constituencies would decrease from 29 to 12, alongside new requirements for presidential candidates.

Guinea-Bissau, a Portuguese-speaking nation on the West African coast, gained independence in 1974 and has a history marked by frequent coups and political crises. The proposed constitutional overhaul aims to address these long-standing issues, though significant opposition remains regarding the concentration of power.