In a decisive step that reshapes the political landscape of Guinea-Bissau, citizens have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution designed to significantly expand executive powers while downsizing the national legislature. Passing with a commanding 70% approval rate in a recent national referendum, the sweeping constitutional overhaul arrives just months before the country attempts a critical transition back to civilian rule.
The approved reforms introduce major structural changes to the West African nation’s government. In a move aimed at streamlining political representation, the national parliament will be dramatically reduced from 102 seats down to 65, while the number of regional electoral constituencies will be cut from 29 to 12. Beyond the legislative downsizing, the new framework fundamentally shifts the balance of power directly toward the presidency. The head of state will now wield the authority to independently appoint and dismiss the government, create or abolish ministries at will, and dissolve the parliament entirely during times of grave national crisis.
Furthermore, the constitution establishes rigorous new eligibility criteria for the nation’s highest office. Future presidential hopefuls are now strictly required to have lived continuously within Guinea-Bissau for the five years immediately preceding an election, a mandate that may effectively sideline high-profile political figures living in exile or the diaspora.
Guinea-Bissau is currently operating as a unitary republic under a military transition. The acting transitional head of state, General Horta Inta-A Na Man, took power following a pivotal military coup in November 2025 that ousted former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who had governed the country since 2020.
This successful constitutional referendum serves as the foundational precursor to the highly anticipated general and presidential elections scheduled for December 6, 2026. As the transitional government prepares to hand power back to civilian leadership, the newly established legal framework guarantees that whoever assumes the presidency this December will inherit an office endowed with unprecedented executive authority.
