Guinea-Bissau votes in referendum on giving president more powers

Guinea-Bissau is holding a referendum on Sunday to decide on expanding presidential powers ahead of the country's general election in December. The West African nation returned to democracy after a military coup in November last year, following a disputed election where both the incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory.

If the referendum passes, the new constitution drafted by the self-proclaimed National Transitional Council will grant the president greater powers and reduce the number of parliamentary representatives from 102 to 65. Proponents argue that this will facilitate easier and more effective debates, while also emphasizing the president's higher authority over the prime minister, who they claim contributes to political instability.

However, the opposition vehemently opposes the referendum, urging voters to boycott it. They argue that the changes would weaken the Prime Minister and the government, subordinate the National People's Assembly and political parties, and disregard the popular will expressed in previous elections, potentially leading to increased political and social division and tension.

The head of the armed forces, General Tomás Djassi, defended the proposed changes, stating that a smaller parliament would allow for more robust discussions and that the president should be the national figure in elections, as per the revised constitution. The opposition maintains that such a move would consolidate power in the hands of the military leader, exacerbating the country's democratic crisis and contributing to the broader instability in West Africa.