Guinea-Bissau voters approve new constitution expanding presidential powers

Guinea-Bissau voters have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that significantly expands presidential powers, according to provisional results. The referendum, which saw a turnout of over 55% and an estimated 544,060 participants, is seen as a crucial step ahead of the December elections. The new constitution will reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and halve the number of electoral constituencies from 29 to 12.

Presidential candidates will now be required to have lived continuously in the country for at least five years before the vote, a provision critics claim targets diaspora-based politicians with significant followings. The referendum outcome is expected to pave the way for stable elections in a nation that has experienced numerous coup attempts since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.

The recent military intervention following disputed presidential elections in November led to the establishment of a transitional ruling council headed by Gen Horta Inta-A Na Man. The outgoing constitution, in place since 1993, has often been blamed for Guinea-Bissau's political instability, with the opposition party calling the referendum a "coup d'état" in disguise.