Guinea-Bissau has concluded voting in a critical referendum that could significantly enhance the powers of the presidency. The ballot counting commenced shortly after polling stations closed at 5 PM local time on Sunday, August 30, 2026. This referendum is a pivotal step as the country prepares for general elections aimed at restoring civilian governance later this year.

Security measures were heightened across the capital, Bissau, with national guard and police deployed to strategic locations to ensure a peaceful voting process. According to Idrissa Djalo, the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission, voter turnout exceeded 55 percent, and he expressed confidence that the voting process was credible and largely incident-free.

The referendum follows a military coup less than ten months ago, which saw the armed forces seize control from then-President Umaro Embalo. The junta, now led by General Horta N’Tam, is advocating for a constitutional amendment to shift from a parliamentary to a presidential system. This proposed change would grant the president the authority to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister and other government officials, as well as dissolve parliament.

General N’Tam, who is barred from running in the upcoming elections under the transitional charter, urged young voters to participate actively in the referendum, emphasizing the need for a stable governance structure that would allow elected officials to fulfill their mandates without interference.

Despite the junta's push for a new constitutional framework, the political atmosphere remains charged, with opposition factions calling for a boycott of the referendum, citing restrictions on public freedoms. Voter turnout was reported to be sporadic, with some polling stations experiencing lower participation due to heavy rain earlier in the day.

Voters expressed mixed sentiments about the potential changes. Halimatou Traore, a local shopkeeper, voiced hope that the new constitution would lead to positive developments, stating that past crises had adversely affected her livelihood. Meanwhile, 76-year-old Braima Seidy, a veteran of the independence war, expressed optimism that the proposed constitutional changes could bring stability to the nation.

Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest nations, has a tumultuous political history marked by five coups since its independence in 1974. The outcome of this referendum may set a significant precedent for governance in the country, as it aligns with a broader trend across Africa where several nations have amended their constitutions to expand executive powers or alter political structures. Provisional results from the referendum are expected to be released on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.