Guinea-Bissau To Vote On Constitution That Could Expand Presidential Powers

Guinea-Bissau will hold a constitutional referendum on August 30 that could significantly increase the powers of the presidency and restructure parliament ahead of general elections planned for December. The proposed constitution would give the president greater control over the prime minister and cabinet, allow the creation or abolition of ministries and provide broader powers to dissolve parliament or dismiss the government during serious political crises. Parliament would also be reduced from 102 to 65 seats, while electoral constituencies would fall from 29 to 12. Supporters say the reforms could strengthen the country's political system, but critics fear they could concentrate excessive power in the presidency. The referendum comes less than a year after a military coup interrupted the country's presidential election process.

Guinea-Bissau is set to hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, with voters being asked to approve sweeping changes that could significantly strengthen the powers of the presidency and reshape the country's political system.
The referendum comes less than a year after military officers seized power in a coup, creating another major test for the West African country's efforts to return to constitutional government.
The proposed changes are also being closely watched because general elections are scheduled for December.

PRESIDENT COULD GAIN BROADER POWERS

Under the proposed constitution, the president would have much greater authority over the government.
The president would be able to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish government ministries and chair meetings of the Council of Ministers.
The proposed system would also give the president powers to dissolve parliament in the event of what is described as a grave political crisis and dismiss the government under certain circumstances.
Supporters argue that the changes could make government more effective and resolve long-standing political disputes.
Critics, however, fear that the reforms could weaken checks and balances and give the president excessive control over the country's political institutions.

PARLIAMENT TO BE REDUCED

The constitutional proposal would also significantly change the structure of Guinea-Bissau's legislature.
The number of parliamentary seats would be reduced from 102 to 65, while the number of electoral constituencies would fall from 29 to 12.
Supporters say a smaller parliament could make the political system more efficient.
Opponents argue that reducing representation could limit the influence of smaller communities and political groups.

CONCERNS OVER CONCENTRATION OF POWER

The proposed reforms have generated particular concern among constitutional experts and political observers.
Manuel Nobre de Barros, a professor at Lusofona University in Guinea-Bissau, said the changes would fundamentally alter the balance between the executive and legislature.
He warned that the reforms could give the president powers that are difficult for other institutions to effectively challenge.
The debate has therefore moved beyond individual constitutional provisions to a broader question: will the new system strengthen Guinea-Bissau's institutions or make the presidency too powerful?

NEW REQUIREMENT FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

The proposed constitution would also introduce a new eligibility requirement for presidential candidates.
Anyone seeking the presidency would have to demonstrate that they had lived permanently in Guinea-Bissau for the previous five years.
The requirement could affect future political contests and is likely to become an important issue ahead of the December elections.

REFERENDUM FOLLOWS MILITARY COUP

The vote takes place against the backdrop of Guinea-Bissau's long history of political instability.
In the latest crisis, military officers seized power less than a year ago, just one day before electoral authorities were expected to announce the results of a presidential election.
The coup disrupted the country's democratic transition and raised fresh concerns about the durability of civilian institutions.
The constitutional referendum is now being presented as part of an attempt to establish a new political framework before the country holds another round of elections.

A CRITICAL TEST FOR GUINEA-BISSAU

The August 30 referendum could determine the direction of Guinea-Bissau's political system for years to come.
If approved, the proposed constitution would give the president considerably more authority while reducing the size of parliament and changing electoral arrangements.
Supporters see the reforms as an opportunity to create a more stable and effective government.
Critics fear that concentrating power at the top could weaken democratic oversight and create new opportunities for political abuse.
With general elections scheduled for December, the referendum will be closely watched both inside Guinea-Bissau and across West Africa as the country attempts to move from military rule back toward elected government.