Vote counting begins in Guinea-Bissau referendum on expanding presidential powers

Ten months after the military seized power in the country, the ruling junta announced a national referendum intended to lay the groundwork for future civilian administrations. The referendum, scheduled for later this year, will ask voters to approve a series of constitutional amendments that the military says will create clearer limits on executive authority, establish an independent electoral commission, and set a timeline for the transition to elected leadership.

Military officials emphasized that the vote is meant to “stabilise future civilian governments” by providing a legal framework that prevents power vacuums and reduces the risk of further coups. International observers have been invited to monitor the process, while opposition groups have called for guarantees of a free and fair environment. The outcome of the referendum is expected to shape the country’s political trajectory and determine the pace at which civilian rule can be restored.