Guinea-Bissau votes on a stronger presidency: What’s at stake?

Voters in Guinea-Bissau are heading to the polls on August 30 to decide on a new constitution that promises to significantly bolster the powers of the presidency and alter the country's electoral system.

The referendum comes nine months after a military coup led to the installation of General Horta Inta-A Na Man as transitional president. It also precedes crucial presidential and legislative elections slated for December 6. Proponents of the constitutional changes contend that the reforms will establish clearer lines of authority and help resolve long-standing political instability and institutional disputes.

However, critics voice concerns that the proposed constitution would excessively centralize power within the presidency. They also question the legitimacy of the process through which the draft was formulated. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), a major opposition party, has actively rejected the referendum and called for a boycott.

This vote will determine the constitutional framework under which Guinea-Bissau transitions back to elected governance. The current constitution operates under a semi-presidential system, sharing executive authority between the president and prime minister. The proposed changes would shift this balance, granting the president greater executive control, including powers over government appointments and dismissals, and making the president the chair of the Council of Ministers.

Beyond executive powers, the proposed constitution also seeks to reshape the legislature and electoral map. Parliament's size would be reduced from 102 seats to 65, and the number of electoral constituencies would decrease from 29 to 12. New requirements for presidential candidates are also part of the proposed changes. The outcome of this referendum will set the stage for the country's next elected leaders.