Voters in Guinea-Bissau went to the polls Sunday in a referendum on a proposed new constitution that would expand presidential powers and reduce parliamentary representation ahead of the country’s December general election.
The referendum is being held as the West African nation seeks to return to democratic rule following a military takeover last November after a disputed presidential election in which former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias both claimed victory.
The proposed constitution, drafted by the military-backed National Transitional Council, would strengthen the president’s authority over the prime minister and reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65.
The authorities argue that a smaller parliament would facilitate more effective debate, while clearer presidential powers would help resolve longstanding tensions between the president and prime minister, which they blame for political instability.
Gen. Tomás Djassi, head of the armed forces, said the constitutional changes were intended to prevent recurring conflicts between the two top executive offices and clarify the president’s role as the country’s national symbol.
Opposition parties, however, have urged voters to boycott the referendum, arguing that the proposed constitution would concentrate power in the hands of the military leadership and weaken parliament, the prime minister and political parties.
Muniro Conté, spokesperson for the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, said the proposed charter could deepen political and social divisions and undermine the will of voters.
The military takeover last year further deepened concerns over democratic governance in West Africa, where several countries have come under military rule in recent years.
Guinea-Bissau, which gained independence from Portugal in 1973, has experienced repeated coups and attempted coups. A failed coup attempt was reported just one month before last year’s military takeover.
The country, home to about 2.2 million people, has significant natural resources but more than half of its population lives in poverty. It is also considered a major transit point for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, which analysts say contributes to its political instability.
Nearly 915,000 voters are registered for Sunday’s referendum. However, many citizens say they are unfamiliar with the proposed constitution.
Some residents have decided to boycott the vote, while others plan to vote against the proposal.
Political analysts have also questioned whether the military government has the legitimacy to amend the constitution, amid growing public discontent.
Guinean political analyst Paulino Quadé questioned who drafted the proposed constitution, whose interests it serves and who would ultimately benefit from the changes.