Guinea-Bissau votes on referendum to expand presidential powers

Voters in military-ruled Guinea-Bissau cast ballots on Sunday in a constitutional referendum that could significantly expand presidential powers, a move the opposition has boycotted amid concerns about democratic backsliding. The vote, which took place under heavy security, is a key step in a transition process that the military junta says will lead to a general election in December to restore civilian rule.

Polling stations opened at 0700 GMT, though voting began slowly in some areas of the capital, Bissau, due to heavy morning rain. Security forces, including the national guard and police, were deployed at strategic locations. The referendum asks voters to approve or reject a new constitution drafted by the ruling National Transitional Council. If passed, the text would shift the country from a parliamentary to a presidential system, allowing the head of state to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, and to dissolve parliament. It also proposes reducing the size of parliament from 102 to 65 seats.

The military government, which seized power in a coup in November 2025, argues the changes are necessary to end chronic political instability caused by power-sharing...