In a referendum that was orchestrated by the military junta that seized power last November, voters in Guinea-Bissau approved a new constitution that largely swaps control away from the legislature and into the hands of the president. The charter grants the head of state the right to appoint or dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, and dissolve parliament in the event of a grave crisis.

Eighty percent of polling stations reported turnout around 60%, with provisional results showing about 70% of votes in favour of the reforms. The main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), boycotted the vote, arguing that the process lacked proper safeguards and risked undermining democratic transitions.

The new constitution also trims the number of seats in parliament from 102 to 65 and cuts electoral constituencies from 29 to 12. Eligibility for the presidency is tightened, requiring candidates to have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau for five years before the election. Five-year presidential terms and a two-term limit remain unchanged.

Proponents of the changes say they are necessary to end repeated disputes between presidents and prime ministers, which have historically contributed to political instability. Critics, however, warn that concentrating so much power in the presidency could turn Guinea-Bissau into a de facto military dictatorship, especially as the country has seen at least nine coups since gaining independence.

The country’s political turbulence has been compounded by its status as a “narco-state,” with many uninhabited islands along its coast offering a haven for drug trafficking. The jury will be weighed in December when scheduled presidential and parliamentary elections are held – a test for the junta’s promise to return the nation to civilian rule.