Justiceface
Justiceface
Aug 25, 2026
Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau Supreme Court Approves Constitutional Referendum

The Supreme Court of Guinea-Bissau has approved the holding of a national referendum on August 30, 2026, to decide on the adoption of a new Constitution. This decision follows a decree by the Transitional President, General Horta Inta-A, and aims to establish a presidential system granting the President authority to appoint the Prime Minister and dissolve Parliament. The referendum has sparked debates among political parties and civil society regarding its timing and the proposed changes to the country's governance structure.

Background

In the wake of the November 2025 military coup that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Guinea-Bissau has been under a transitional government led by General Horta Inta-A. The National Transitional Council (CNT), established by the junta, approved a draft of the new Constitution in January 2026. The proposed Constitution seeks to shift the nation from a parliamentary to a presidential system, centralizing executive power in the presidency.

Supreme Court's Approval

On August 25, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a favorable opinion on the referendum's legality, affirming that the procedures outlined in Law No. 12/2026 were duly followed. This approval paves the way for the referendum scheduled for August 30, 2026, where citizens will vote on the question: "Do you agree with the entry into force of the new Constitution of the Republic approved by the National Transitional Council?" Voters can respond with "Yes" or "No."

Proposed Constitutional Changes

The draft Constitution introduces significant changes to Guinea-Bissau's political framework:

  • Presidential System: The President would serve as both Head of State and Head of Government, with the authority to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister, irrespective of parliamentary majority.
  • Parliamentary Dissolution: The President would have the power to dissolve Parliament, a move aimed at resolving legislative deadlocks but raising concerns about the concentration of power.
  • Electoral Threshold: A proposed 4% electoral threshold could lead to the dissolution of smaller parties, potentially reducing political pluralism.

Reactions and Implications

The announcement of the referendum has elicited mixed reactions:

  • Political Parties: Opposition parties have expressed concerns over the timing and the substance of the proposed changes. They argue that the short campaign period of 55 days is insufficient for comprehensive public education on the new Constitution.
  • Civil Society: Various civil society organizations have raised alarms about the potential erosion of democratic principles and the concentration of power in the executive branch. They advocate for a more inclusive and transparent process.
  • International Community: Regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for an inclusive and democratic process, emphasizing the importance of returning to constitutional order.

Conclusion

As Guinea-Bissau approaches the August 30 referendum, the nation stands at a critical juncture. The outcome will determine the future governance structure and could have lasting implications for political stability and democratic governance. Citizens are urged to participate actively in the referendum to shape the country's constitutional future.