Rizky Amelia
The political landscape of Guinea-Bissau is undergoing a significant shift as the nation's citizens cast their votes in a referendum that could profoundly alter the country's political structure. This historic vote, held on Sunday, is centered around the adoption of a new constitution that could elevate the presidency's power and potentially stabilize the country's tumultuous political environment.
The referendum comes ten months after a military coup that toppled the civilian government, marking a period of deep instability in Guinea-Bissau. According to Idrissa Djalo, the executive secretary of the National Electoral Commission, the poll, which saw a turnout exceeding 55 percent, transpired without any incidents that could compromise the vote's credibility. Results are anticipated to be announced on Tuesday.
The proposed changes to the constitution, which would transform the political system from parliamentary to presidential, represent a significant shift for Guinea-Bissau. The new system would allow the head of state to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and government members, as well as dissolve parliament. This marks a departure from the previous arrangement where prime ministers were traditionally drawn from the parliamentary majority, often leading to uncomfortable power-sharing dynamics.
The referendum is seen as a pivotal step in Guinea-Bissau's efforts to stabilize its political institutions ahead of upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6. These elections are designed to restore power to a civilian government after the military's coup.
General Horta Inta-A Na Man, the military leader and transitional President of Guinea-Bissau, expressed optimism about the referendum's potential to ensure a smooth transition of power. "What we want after this referendum is to allow whoever wins the elections to see out their mandate without hindrance," General Inta-A Na Man said.
However, it's important to note that under the current transitional charter, General Inta-A Na Man is barred from running in the upcoming elections. The referendum follows years of political turmoil in Guinea-Bissau, including a contentious presidential election in November 2025 where both candidates claimed victory and accused each other of electoral interference.
The new constitution, if approved, would also eliminate the system by which prime ministers were chosen from the parliamentary majority, an approach that had frequently led to tensions and power struggles. The shift to a presidential system is seen as a means to strengthen the executive branch and ensure a more stable government.
As Guinea-Bissau grapples with the aftermath of the coup and the potential implications of the referendum, the international community remains vigilant. The European Union and other international bodies have expressed concern over the coup and the subsequent political developments in the country, emphasizing the importance of respecting democratic principles and the rule of law.
The vote count in Guinea-Bissau's referendum on strengthening the presidency is not just a testament to the nation's political journey but also a critical moment in its quest for stability and sustainable governance. As the results are awaited with bated breath, the world watches to see how Guinea-Bissau will navigate this pivotal chapter in its history.
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