Guinea-Bissau voters approve new constitution expanding presidential powers
Voters in Guinea-Bissau have approved a new constitution that significantly expands presidential powers and reduces the size of parliament. The referendum is intended to stabilize the country's political landscape ahead of the upcoming December elections.
Why it matters
This constitutional shift marks a major change in the governance of a nation historically plagued by political instability and frequent military coups.
Guinea-Bissau’s transitional president, Gen Horta Inta-A Na Man, gestures after voting at a polling station in Bairro de Luanda on Sunday. Photograph: Reuters Guinea-Bissau’s transitional president, Gen Horta Inta-A Na Man, gestures after voting at a polling station in Bairro de Luanda on Sunday. Photograph: Reuters Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau voters approve new constitution expanding presidential powers Changes include fewer seats in parliament and new rules on presidential candidates ahead of December elections
Prefer the Guardian on Google Guinea-Bissau voters have approved a new constitution significantly expanding presidential powers ahead of elections due in December.
According to provisional results, 70% of voters approved sweeping changes in the tiny west African state’s first constitutional amendment since revisions that ended the one-party socialist state more than three decades ago.
The turnout for Sunday’s referendum was reportedly over 55%, amounting to an estimated 544,060 people.
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