Guinea-Bissau junta schedules constitutional referendum for August 30
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Guinea-Bissau's military government has announced a constitutional referendum for August 30, 2026, to approve changes that would grant the president more powers. The army seized power in November 2025, overthrowing the head of state and suspending the electoral process. The proposed amendment would transition the country from a parliamentary to a presidential system, allowing the head of state to appoint the prime minister and government members, and to dissolve parliament. Transitional president, General Horta N'Tam, set the date after the Supreme Court issued a favorable opinion. New presidential and parliamentary elections to restore civilian rule are scheduled for December 6, 2026. The junta previously stated that General N'Tam would not be permitted to run for president. Guinea-Bissau has experienced multiple military takeovers since its independence in 1974. The previous system, where the prime minister came from the parliamentary majority, often resulted in challenging coalition governments. Umaro Sissoco Embalo, ousted in 2025, had ruled by decree after dissolving the opposition-dominated parliament in December 2023.
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