Ballot counting began across Guinea-Bissau after polling stations closed following a constitutional referendum designed to overhaul the nation’s political structure. Citizens of the West African nation took to the polls to vote on a new constitution that would transition the country from a semi-parliamentary system to a strong presidential model. The National Electoral Commission reported a voter turnout exceeding 55 percent, stating that the poll took place without incidents that would compromise its credibility. Preliminary results are expected to be announced on Tuesday.
Vote Counting Begins in Guinea-Bissau
Military Rule and Context of the Referendum
The referendum comes less than 10 months after military leaders seized power in a coup on November 26, 2025. The military government stated that the constitutional changes are designed to stabilize future civilian governments and prevent the political instability that has plagued the country. Transitional President General Horta Inta-A Na Man stated that the goal is to allow whoever wins upcoming elections to finish their mandate without hindrance. The transitional charter bars Inta-A Na Man from running in the elections. The military seized power just one day after the scheduled announcement of provisional results from the November 23, 2025 presidential and legislative elections, during which both candidates had claimed victory.
Key Proposed Constitutional Reforms
The newly proposed constitution replaces the previous model where prime ministers were chosen from the parliamentary majority, a setup that led to difficult power-sharing arrangements and institutional friction. Under the new system, the head of state would gain the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government members, and to dissolve parliament. Additionally, the reform reduces the size of parliament from 102 to 65 lawmakers and cuts the number of districts from 29 to 12, measures officially aimed at reducing public expenditures. Voters answered yes or no to whether they agreed with bringing into force the new constitution approved by the National Transitional Council.
Opposition Boycott and Public Response
The referendum faced strong resistance from political opposition groups and civil society organizations, including the historic PAIGC party, which led Guinea-Bissau to independence in 1974. Critics condemned the poll as unconstitutional and illegal because it was organized by an unelected transitional power amidst restricted public liberties. The Front populaire, a civil society platform representing more than 50 organizations, welcomed what it termed a historic boycott. In the capital of Bissau, heavy morning rain delayed turnout before voters arrived in smaller numbers, while turnout was described as mixed or low in regions such as Tombali, Quinara, Bafatá, and Gabú. No international or independent observers were present to monitor the vote.
Path Toward Upcoming General Elections
The constitutional referendum serves as a crucial milestone leading toward general presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6, 2026. The transitional administration has maintained that these elections will successfully return governance back to civilian authorities. Following the close of voting, ballots are being processed in Bissau and regional centers as the country awaits the release of provisional results.
