Ballot counting began Monday in Guinea-Bissau following a referendum that could significantly expand the powers of the presidency [4].
The outcome of the vote will determine the structure of government as the West African nation attempts to transition back to civilian rule. This process follows a period of instability marked by a military takeover in 2025.
Voting took place on Aug. 30 [1]. The military-run government is overseeing the process to determine if the constitution should be amended to strengthen the presidency [1]. Officials said the move is intended to stabilize future civilian governments [3].
This referendum serves as a precursor to a general election scheduled for December [2]. That upcoming election aims to formally restore civilian leadership 10 months after the country was seized by a coup [3].
Guinea-Bissau has faced a history of political volatility. The current military leadership is managing the transition, but the expansion of presidential powers remains a point of contention for those monitoring the democratic process [1].
Counting began on Aug. 31 as officials worked to tally the results from across the nation [4]. The final results will dictate the legal framework for the president who takes office following the December polls [2].
“Ballot counting began Monday in Guinea-Bissau following a referendum that could significantly expand the powers of the presidency.”
The push to expand presidential authority suggests a strategy to prevent the frequent government collapses that have characterized Guinea-Bissau's political history. By concentrating power in the executive branch, the military leadership hopes to create a stronger central authority that can resist the internal fractures that often lead to coups, though critics often view such expansions as a risk to democratic checks and balances.
