Guinea-Bissau votes on handing more powers to president
The vote follows a string of other African countries that have extended term lengths, removed age limits or strengthened powers of the executive.
Guinea-Bissau's military junta has proposed a constitutional amendment to grant the president greater powers in advance of a general election slated for December 6. The coup-prone West African nation, ruled since November by the army, aims to stabilize institutions before transitioning to a presidential system. Voters will be asked to vote "yes" or "no" on Sunday to the proposal to enter into force the new constitution approved by the National Transitional Council.
The junta maintains that the change is necessary to prevent conflicts between the presidency and prime minister's office, which have disrupted stability in the past. However, opposition parties and human rights advocates argue that the proposed constitution could concentrate too much power in the hands of a single individual, undermining democracy.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Guinea-Bissau votes on handing more powers to president freemalaysiatoday.com
