Voters in Guinea-Bissau head to the polls for a referendum on the new constitution

Algiers, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- Voters in Guinea-Bissau headed to polling stations on Sunday morning to participate in a constitutional referendum on amending the country’s political system, which would transform it from a semi-presidential to a presidential system, granting the head of state extensive powers. The Electoral Commission of Guinea-Bissau stated in a press release that polling centers opened in the morning to vote on the new constitution, which was approved by the National Transitional Council and is set to enter into force. Voting is taking place nationwide through direct, secret, and personal suffrage, representing a significant political test that could shape Guinea-Bissau’s political system in the coming period and determine the nature of power distribution ahead of the general elections scheduled for December next year. The referendum comes amid the military council’s management of the transitional phase following the coup that occurred last November. This referendum is considered a key milestone before the general elections scheduled for December 6 next year and is expected to pave the way for the country’s return to civilian rule amid tense political conditions. In this context, the ruling military council affirmed that “the proposed amendments aim to clarify the powers between the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, and to enhance the stability of political institutions before the presidential elections.” The draft new constitution grants broader powers to the President of the Republic, thereby strengthening the centralization of executive authority in the country. Under the proposed constitution, the Prime Minister would no longer be elected by the National Assembly, nor would it be necessary for him to belong to the political party holding the parliamentary majority. The President of the Republic would be responsible for appointing and dismissing the Prime Minister, preside over the Council of Ministers, and possess the authority to dissolve parliament. The proposed amendments also include reducing the number of parliamentarians from 102 to 65 members, and lowering the number of electoral districts from 29 to 12, a move the authorities say aims to “reduce public spending and improve the efficiency of institutional management.” Additionally, the draft new constitution imposes stricter conditions and restrictions on participation in the presidential elections, requiring political parties supporting a candidate to collect no fewer than 5,000 signatures from their members, with at least 300 signatures required in each region. The constitutional amendments have sparked widespread objections from opposition parties and civil society organizations. (End) M.R. / M.A.K.