Voters in Guinea-Bissau have approved a proposed new constitution that significantly expands the powers of the presidency, according to results announced by the country’s National Electoral Commission on Tuesday.
The referendum, held on Sunday, recorded 70 per cent support for the proposed constitutional changes, coming less than 10 months after the military seized power and ahead of a presidential election scheduled for December 6.
The constitutional overhaul is being promoted by the military-led transitional government as a means of strengthening state institutions and preventing the political instability that has repeatedly disrupted governance in the West African country.
Under the new constitution, the prime minister would no longer necessarily emerge from the parliamentary majority, ending a system that has frequently produced tensions between the president and government.
The new framework would also give the president authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and members of government, as well as dissolve parliament.
The referendum has, however, generated strong opposition from sections of the political class and civil society, which criticised the transitional government for attempting to rewrite the constitution without an elected mandate.
Opposition groups had called for a boycott of the vote, citing what they described as restrictions on public freedoms under military rule.
Transitional President and junta leader General Horta N’Tam, who is prohibited from contesting elections under the transitional charter, urged young people to participate massively in the referendum when he cast his ballot on Sunday.
National Electoral Commission chairperson Carmen Izaura Lobo described the exercise as a success, commending election officials for their “organizational capacity, professionalism and dedication.”
She also described the process as transparent and credible, although voter enthusiasm appeared limited, with turnout at polling stations observed by AFP described as sporadic.
Heavy rainfall earlier on Sunday was also reported to have discouraged some voters from turning out.
The final referendum results are expected to be confirmed by the Supreme Court in the coming days. No legal challenges to the vote had been filed before the announcement.
The constitutional vote comes as Guinea-Bissau prepares for a return to civilian rule following the military takeover in November last year.
The army seized power just days after a presidential election, removing then-President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and suspending the electoral process.
The country has a long history of political instability. Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced five coups as well as numerous attempted coups.
The Portuguese-speaking nation remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with political instability continuing to pose major challenges to its democratic development.
