Guinea-Bissau referendum nods to expansion of presidential powers
Summary
Guinea-Bissau held a referendum that approved a new constitution giving the president much more power, including control over the prime minister and parliament. The vote happened under a military government that took power last year and is preparing for elections in December to return to civilian rule.Key Facts
- About 70% of voters approved the new constitution in last week’s referendum.
- Voter turnout was nearly 60%, though some reports say many polling stations were empty.
- The military government led a coup in November last year and proposed the referendum.
- The main opposition party, PAIGC, and civil groups opposed the changes and called for a boycott.
- The new rules let the president appoint and fire the prime minister and cabinet members.
- The president can also create or remove ministries and dissolve parliament under some conditions.
- The number of parliamentary seats will drop from 102 to 65; electoral districts will cut from 29 to 12.
- The military says the changes will stabilize the state ahead of December elections, while critics fear more concentration of power.
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