Guinea-Bissau Approves First Constitutional Reform Since 1995

Guinea-Bissau's National Transitional Council (CNT) has approved a draft constitutional reform, marking the first revision since 1995. The reform aims to strengthen presidential powers while maintaining a semi-presidential system.

Key Changes

The revised constitution includes a rewrite of the preamble to reduce references to revolutionary ideology, aiming for a more neutral document that represents all citizens. Notably, the president will now serve as both head of state and head of government, consolidating executive authority.

Context

This reform comes amid a one-year military-led transition following the November 2025 coup. The transitional government has expressed commitment to restoring constitutional order and preparing for upcoming elections.

Implications

The constitutional changes are expected to impact Guinea-Bissau's political dynamics significantly. While proponents argue that a stronger executive will lead to more decisive governance, critics express concern over potential power concentration and the erosion of checks and balances.

As the country approaches the scheduled elections in December 2026, the implementation and effects of these constitutional reforms will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers.