Vote Counting Begins in Guinea-Bissau Referendum to Strengthen Presidency

Ballot counting began in Guinea-Bissau after voters cast their decision on a constitution that could substantially expand presidential power. The referendum took place less than 10 months after the military seized power in a coup.

The proposed system would replace parliament-based government with a presidential model. The president would appoint and dismiss the prime minister and members of the government, and would also have the power to dissolve parliament. Voters answered yes or no to whether the new constitution approved by the National Transitional Council should enter into force.

Idrissa Djalo, executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, said turnout exceeded 55%. He also said the vote took place without incidents that would call its credibility into question. Results are expected on Tuesday.

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What we want after this referendum is to allow whoever wins the elections to see out their mandate without hindrance.

Military leader and transitional President General Horta Inta-A Na Man said the aim was to ensure that whoever wins the next elections could complete the mandate without obstruction. Under the transitional charter, however, he cannot run in those elections.

The presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for December 6 and are intended to return power to a civilian government. The referendum follows years of political instability. In the November 2025 presidential election, both candidates claimed victory and accused each other of electoral interference. The coup took place one day later.

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Exceeding 55 percent.