Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution that critics argue will undermine democracy by significantly expanding presidential powers ahead of elections scheduled for December. According to provisional results, 70% of voters supported sweeping changes in the tiny West African state's first constitutional amendment since the revisions that ended the one-party socialist state more than three decades ago.
Referendum Details
The turnout for Sunday’s referendum was reportedly over 55%, amounting to an estimated 544,060 people. Key changes in the new constitution include:
- Reduction of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65.
- Cutting electoral constituencies from 29 to 12.
- New provisions requiring presidential candidates to have lived continuously in the country for at least five years before the vote, targeting diaspora-based politicians with significant followings.
Political Context
The outcome of the referendum is expected to pave the way for December’s elections, which many hope will stabilize the political landscape in Guinea-Bissau. The country has experienced a series of politically turbulent periods since its declaration of independence from Portugal in 1974, including at least 10 coup attempts, half of which have been successful. The most recent coup followed last November’s disputed presidential elections, where both candidates claimed victory, citing electoral malpractice by the other’s camp.
