Guinea-Bissau votes in a referendum to grant expanded presidential powers ahead of election
Summary
Guinea-Bissau held a referendum to decide on increasing the president’s powers and reducing the number of parliamentary seats ahead of a December election. The changes aim to strengthen the president's authority and simplify parliament, but the opposition opposes the move and called for a boycott.Key Facts
- Guinea-Bissau voted in a referendum to change its constitution before the December general election.
- The new constitution would give the president more power and lower the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65.
- Authorities believe these changes will reduce political conflict between the president and prime minister.
- The military took control of the country in a coup last November after a disputed election.
- The opposition claims the referendum weakens democracy and urged people not to vote.
- Guinea-Bissau has experienced several coups since independence from Portugal in 1973.
- The country faces high poverty rates and is a key route for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe.
- Around 915,000 voters are registered, but many citizens are unhappy with the process and the proposed changes.
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