Vote counting is underway in Guinea-Bissau following a referendum on a new constitution designed to significantly enhance the powers of the presidency. Citizens of the West African nation cast ballots on Sunday to decide on a constitutional reform aimed at stabilizing future civilian governments. The referendum comes less than 10 months after a military coup.

This vote is a crucial step in the country's transition back to civilian rule, with presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6. The military government, which seized power in a coup, has stated its objective is to strengthen institutions and prevent the political instability that has plagued Guinea-Bissau for years.

Idrissa Djalo, executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, reported that turnout "exceeded" 55 percent and that the referendum proceeded "without any incidents that would call into question the credibility of the vote." Official results are anticipated on Tuesday. Voters were asked to approve or reject the new constitution, which proposes a shift from a parliamentary to a presidential system.

Under the proposed constitution, the president would gain the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government members, as well as dissolve parliament. This change aims to move away from the system where prime ministers were drawn from the parliamentary majority, a mechanism that has historically led to difficult power-sharing arrangements and political gridlock.

Transitional President General Horta Inta-A Na Man, who seized power in the coup, expressed his hope that the referendum's outcome would "allow whoever wins the elections to see out their mandate without hindrance." Notably, under the current transitional charter, Inta-A Na Man is ineligible to run in the upcoming elections.

The referendum follows a period of heightened political tension, including the contested November 2025 presidential election. In that election, both candidates claimed victory and accused each other of electoral interference, a situation that preceded the military takeover just one day later.

Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, marked by frequent coups and power struggles since its independence. The proposed constitutional changes are seen by the military leadership as a necessary measure to create a more effective and stable governance structure.

Analysts are closely watching the results, as the referendum's outcome will shape the political landscape of Guinea-Bissau for years to come and could set a precedent for how future transitions of power are managed in the region.