Guinea-Bissau votes in referendum to expand presidential powers

Polling stations in Guinea-Bissau closed on Sunday after a day of voting in a referendum that could significantly expand presidential powers. The vote comes ahead of December's general election, which is intended to restore democratic rule in the West African nation following its latest coup.

Reports from across the country indicated low turnout at many polling stations. The opposition had urged voters to boycott the referendum, arguing that it is a move by the head of the military government to consolidate power.

The military seized control in November of last year after a disputed election, in which both former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory.

The proposed constitution, drafted by the self-styled National Transitional Council, would grant the president greater authority and reduce the size of parliament. The authorities argue that trimming the legislature from 102 to 65 seats would lead to more robust debates, and that clarifying presidential authority over the prime minister would address a key source of political instability. Opposition groups reject these claims, calling the referendum a "source of political instability at all levels."

Last year's coup added to West Africa's democratic crisis, with the region seeing a growing number of military-led governments. Continental leaders described the takeover as "staged," after the military allowed the former president to hold a press conference announcing his deposition before permitting him to leave the country. Skeptics have suggested Embaló conceded to the military upon realizing he was losing the election.

Guinea-Bissau, which gained independence from Portugal in 1973, has a long history of coups and attempted coups. The country, home to roughly 2.2 million people, possesses significant natural wealth per capita but struggles with widespread poverty. It is also a known hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a factor experts link to its persistent political instability.

Nearly 915,000 voters were registered for the referendum, though many citizens reportedly view the constitution as secondary to more pressing national issues.