Guinea-Bissau is holding a referendum Sunday on a new constitution that would grant the president expanded powers, a vote occurring as the West African nation prepares for general elections following a recent military coup.
The proposed constitutional changes would increase presidential authority and reduce the size of parliament, consolidating power under the president, according to the self-styled National Transitional Council. Authorities argue that a smaller parliament, reduced from 102 to 65 seats, would facilitate more effective debates, while enhanced presidential powers are intended to resolve the political instability historically caused by conflicts between the president and prime minister.
However, opposition parties have called for a boycott of the referendum, asserting that the changes would empower the head of the military government and create widespread political instability. Muniro Conté, spokesperson for the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, stated that the new constitution significantly weakens the prime minister and government, subordinates the National People's Assembly and political parties, and diminishes the popular will expressed at the polls.
Gen. Tomás Djassi, head of the armed forces, defended the proposed changes, emphasizing the need for a single leader within a community to avoid constant conflict, akin to having one leader in a village. He explained that the revision clarifies the law to underscore the president's supreme authority as the directly elected national symbol.
Last year's coup in Guinea-Bissau intensified a democratic crisis in West Africa, adding the country to a list of nations under military rule. The coup occurred in November after a disputed election where both former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory. The military government seized power, and the former president was allowed to leave the country.
Guinea-Bissau, which gained independence from Portugal in 1973, has a history of coups and attempted coups. The country, with a population of approximately 2.2 million people, possesses significant natural wealth per capita but faces widespread poverty, with over half the population living below the poverty line. It is also a key route for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a factor linked to its political instability.
Reports from various polling stations indicated a low turnout, with some voters expressing uncertainty about the proposed constitution. Bacar Camará, a teacher in the capital, Bissau, stated he would not vote, believing the transitional government should prioritize reconciliation. Another resident, Carolina Djeme, said she would vote against the constitution due to a lack of familiarity with its details.
Political analysts have questioned the legitimacy of the military government to enact constitutional changes, suggesting the reforms may serve specific interests. The referendum follows a period of military rule, and the upcoming general election is intended to return the nation to democratic governance.