Voters in Guinea-Bissau voted August 30 on a military-backed constitution expanding presidential powers before December elections.
The referendum asked the country’s roughly one million registered voters whether they approve a charter that replaces the semi-parliamentary system with a strong presidential one.
Under the proposed text, the president would gain the authority to dissolve the National Assembly and to appoint and dismiss the prime minister without restriction.
The new constitution also reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and cuts the number of electoral constituencies from 29 to 12.
General Horta, who has led the country for eight months, came to power on November 26, 2025, in what the report describes as a palace revolution. He had previously served under former head of state Embalo Cissoko.
One provision in the draft has drawn particular attention: a clause barring any candidate from running in elections unless they have resided in Guinea-Bissau for the past five years.
According to the report, key opposition figures, including those linked to the PIAGC party, are currently in exile abroad.
Presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for December 6. The report states that Horta is expected to participate and is assured of winning, given the conditions created by the new charter.
The referendum took place under a state of exception that has already been in effect, with the vote serving to legalize the current concentration of power.
Source: Aujourd'hui au Faso